Home > Minister for Health secures Government approval to introduce greater restrictions on vapes.

[Department of Health] Minister for Health secures Government approval to introduce greater restrictions on vapes. (10 Sep 2024)

External website: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/69e19-minister...


Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, today welcomed the approval from Government to draft legislation introducing further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes. The General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill proposes:

  • A prohibition on point-of-sale display and advertising in shops other than those who only or primarily sell these products.
  • Restrictions on colours and imagery on packaging and devices, as well as a ban on devices resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games.
  • A prohibition on all flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names.
  • A limit on flavours in nicotine inhaling products to tobacco, with provisions to amend the list of allowed flavours as new evidence presents.
  • A prohibition on the import, manufacture and sale of single-use or disposable vapes.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said:

“As a Government we introduced a ban on the sale of nicotine inhaling products to under 18s. However we must go further and this legislation will tackle the rise in the use of ’vapes’ among children and young people by reducing their attractiveness and availability. Nicotine is addictive and the long-term effects of these products is not yet known, so it is important to act.

“I know that some adult smokers use nicotine inhaling products to quit smoking so these products, other than disposable vapes, will continue to remain available. The measures I am taking are to reduce use among the youth, so that our children can grow up without the risks associated with these products.”

The Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke said:

“As Minister with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing, I welcome the introduction of this important measure. Our young people are exposed to nicotine inhaling products in retail environments with bright and colourful packaging and a variety of flavours. Single-use vapes also cause an environmental damage. I believe that these measures will contribute to the better health and wellbeing of our youth, and I look forward to working with Minister Donnelly on the development of this legislation.”

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, with special responsibility for Circular Economy Ossian Smyth said:

“I am very pleased to see that this Bill has received Government approval. It will achieve the dual policy objectives of health protection and environmental protection. Single-use vapes are a challenge in the context of waste management and are a wasteful use of critical raw materials. They are also very damaging to the environment when discarded as litter. I have been working with Minister Donnelly for some time with a view to ensuring that the aims of both our departments are achieved and I am very supportive of this legislative proposal.”

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