389. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health to outline the expected legislative timeline of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30432/23]

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will introduce a suite of measures to reduce the appeal and availability of nicotine inhaling products such as electronic cigarettes to young people.  In particular, it will prohibit the sale of these products to minors.

The Bill has been notified under the EU Technical Standards Directive which means that it has entered a standstill period until 8 September this year. It is my intention that the Bill will be enacted as soon as possible after that date. I intend to commence the prohibition on the sale of nicotine inhaling products to minors with immediate effect as soon as possible after enactment.