218. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the consideration that his Department has given to banning the sale of flavoured vape products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31174/22] 

219. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his Department’s work with regard to vaping in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31175/22] 

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together. 

Electronic cigarettes are regulated by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (Directive 2014/40/EU). The Directive is currently being reviewed and it is likely that this will lead to further regulation of electronic cigarettes although it is not yet clear if it will include a prohibition on the sale of flavoured vape liquids. 

The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will regulate the retail environment for electronic cigarettes by introducing a mandatory licensing system for retailers and by prohibiting their sale to, and by, persons under 18 years of age. The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. The Programme for Government also contains a number of commitments relating to electronic cigarettes; these include restricting the types of retailers that can sell electronic cigarettes and curbing the advertising of electronic cigarettes near schools, on public transport and in cinemas.