611. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned over the rise of disposable e-cigarette use among adolescents; if his Department has a plan to counter this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60550/22] 

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: The most recent data on the use of electronic cigarettes among young people is from the European Schools Project on Alcohol and other Drugs 2019 report. Almost 2,000 Irish students aged 15 and 16 years completed the survey in 2019 and it found that 39% of students reported having ever used an e-cigarette with 16% of these reporting using one in the last 30 days. 

The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill which is currently being drafted will prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products including disposable e-cigarettes to, and by, persons under 18 years of age. It will also require that any retailer of e-cigarettes must have a licence which must be renewed annually. Furthermore, on the 22nd November the Government approved the inclusion of additional measures to this Bill. The sale of nicotine inhaling products will now be prohibited from self-service vending machines, from temporary or mobile premises and at places or events for children under the Bill. In addition, advertisements for e-cigarettes will be prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and near schools. 

These measures together are aimed at reducing the availability of e-cigarettes to young people and their usage by young people.