970. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the increased use of electronic cigarette products among children and young people; if his Department intends to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54419/22] 

Minister for Health: Stephen Donnelly: The usage of nicotine inhaling products, such as e-cigarettes, by young people is monitored through surveys such as the European Schools Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs in Ireland and the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. In addition, the Health Research Board conducted research at my request on the use of e-cigarettes by adolescents and subsequent smoking. That research found that e-cigarette use is associated with an increased likelihood of smoking in adolescents.

In order to address the use of nicotine inhaling products by young people, the drafting of a Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill has been prioritised by Government. The Bill will prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products to persons under the age of 18. It will also establish a licensing system for the retail sale of these products.

The draft Bill is expected to be published by year-end.