164. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he intends to legislate to raise the legal age of the sale of tobacco from 18 to 21 this year; if so, the timeline he is working towards in progressing the necessary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16964/24]

Minister for Health: As I publicly stated on 28 March this year, it is my intention to bring a Memorandum to the Government seeking approval to develop law to raise the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21. I can provide no further detail until Government approves the drafting of the legislation.