The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Policy Group on Tobacco has today called on the Government to fast-track legislative measures to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to children and for funding for research into these products.

In its pre-Budget submission the group says it is time to examine the role of e-cigarettes in tobacco cessation and to examine their health effects, particularly in young people. Dr Des Cox, Chair of the Policy Group on Tobacco at RCPI said: “Over the past few years, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular among young people in many countries. Urgent action needs to be taken in order to prevent this phenomenon transposing to Ireland.....