295. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if his Department has plans to regulate the e-cigarette market. [35133/22]

296. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the commitments made in the programme for Government related to e-cigarettes, including the proposed ban on the sale of these products to persons under 18 years of age; and the proposed licensing system for the retail sale of nicotine inhaling products. [35134/22]

Stephen Donnelly Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 296 together.

The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will introduce a mandatory licensing system for retailers and prohibit their sale to, and by, persons under 18 years of age. The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. The report on pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Bill is awaited from the Joint Committee on Health.