576. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the banning of flavoured-vaping products in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44856/22]

Minister for Health: The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill contains a suite of measures to regulate the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, such as electronic cigarettes. These include prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to or by anyone under the age of 18 and requiring every retailer of e-cigarettes to have a licence which must be renewed annually.

The draft Bill does not contain any provisions to ban the sale of flavoured vaping products. I continue to consider all recommendations in relation to e-cigarettes which will protect children and non-smokers from e-cigarette use and which will take into account those smokers who wish to use e-cigarettes to quit tobacco smoking.