1321. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there should be an awareness campaign to deter vaping in public spaces, such as in bars and nightclubs; the steps that he is taking to deter persons from doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63790/22] 

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: Public health information campaigns, such as the ongoing HSE Quit smoking campaign are informed by a robust scientific evidence base. In October 2020, the Health Research Board carried out evidence reviews on the health harms and possible benefits of electronic cigarettes, on the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation and on whether e-cigarette use leads to subsequent smoking in adolescents. The reviews found that:

• Electronic cigarettes are not harmless to users, but there is evidence that they are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes.
• Electronic cigarettes appear to be as effective as nicotine replacement therapies for assisting smoking cessation for an observed period of up to 6 months. Further study is required to determine their effectiveness over a longer period
• There appears to be an association between the use of electronic cigarettes and subsequent smoking among adolescents. 

These findings align with previous international assessments of e-cigarettes, particularly in their primary conclusion that more research is needed to understand longer term public health effects. The findings also reinforce the need for the provisions contained in the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill which will prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes by or to anyone under 18 and provide for a licensing system for their retail sale. The Bill will also prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products from self-service vending machines, from temporary or mobile premises and at events for children. In addition, advertisements for nicotine inhaling products will be prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and near schools. Combined, these measures will reduce the visibility and availability of e-cigarettes to young people and allow for greater enforcement of the retail environment where they are sold. Drafting of the Bill is ongoing with the intention that the Bill will be introduced to the Oireachtas and enacted in 2023. 

My Department will continue to monitor the emerging research and evidence in relation to the health harms of e-cigarettes.