874. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if she is concerned that the recent increase in tax for vaping products coming into effect as of 1 November 2025 could have a knock-on increase in the number of cigarette smokers; the actions she will take to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55116/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: While taxation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance I note that the e-liquid tax in Budget 2025, which will come into effect on the 1st November 2025, was introduced alongside greater increases in tobacco taxes in Budgets 2025 and 2026.

The immediate focus of health policy and legislation regarding vaping is on reducing youth uptake. Preventing smoking initiation and encouraging its cessation are an area of focus for my Department and has seen significant investment in recent years. Funding for the Quit Programme has greatly increased in the last three years, from €13 million in 2021 to €21 million in 2024. This includes more than doubling the number of stop smoking clinics, and the roll-out of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy in 2022. This has led to record numbers accessing the Quit Service, and higher rates of successful quit attempts.

The Tobacco Free Ireland policy is currently being updated. This process will set out a pathway to end the epidemic of smoking-related harm in our country and protect children and young people from the harms of nicotine use.