510. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has noted Sweden's smoking rate of 5.6%, which is lower than the EU average of 23%, while the country promotes alternatives to smoking such as vaping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53251/23]

511. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the success of Sweden's approach to tobacco control, embracing alternatives to smoking like vaping, will be reflected in the plan for Tobacco Free Ireland 2025, instead of adopting the more restrictive and less successful approaches by countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where the average smoking rate across the four countries is 24.75%, compared to Sweden's smoking rate of 5.6%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53252/23]

512. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the efficacy of Ireland's tobacco reduction strategy, considering Ireland's smoking rate has been 18% since 2019, while Sweden's is currently at 5.6%, as an example; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53253/23]

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 510, 511 and 512 together.

The unique context for the low smoking rate in Sweden is the traditional and continuing use of "snus", a form of smokeless tobacco, in addition to strong tobacco control measures. Daily snus consumption rates in Sweden increased to 14% in 2022 with the largest increases being among younger populations. Sweden's very low rate of smoking is an outlier as compared to other European countries with our own daily smoking rate of 14% being below the EU average daily rate of 19.7%

My current legislative priority is the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill which will introduce a new licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products. The Bill will also ban the sale of tobacco products through self-service vending machines, from temporary or "pop up" shops and at events for children.

I have recently launched a public consultation which primarily focuses on the further regulation of nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes. However the consultation also contains questions designed to elicit the public’s response to raising the legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21 or beyond. I am determined to examine all measures that can reduce the death and disease caused by smoking.

Question No. 511 answered with Question No. 510.

Question No. 512 answered with Question No. 510.