416. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health to detail the provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill as is currently drafted in relation to the advertising of nicotine, vaping and nicotine pouch products; the levels of advertisement that will be permitted and restricted under the current drafting of the bill; to provide an estimate of when this bill will be ready to advance to the next stage in the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60574/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: The advertising of nicotine inhaling products is primarily governed by the EU Tobacco Products Directive. The Directive prohibits advertising of electronic cigarettes on TV, radio, in print and online.

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 further restricted the advertising of nicotine inhaling products near schools, in cinemas, and on public transport.

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill will regulate retail display and advertising for nicotine inhaling products. The General Scheme for the Bill, which was published in 2024, proposes to prohibit advertising of nicotine inhaling products in all retail premises.

The display of nicotine inhaling products will also be prohibited, except for shops which either

1. a) only sell nicotine inhaling products, or
2. b) mainly sell nicotine inhaling products, provided that the only other products sold are non-nicotine vapes or accessories for the maintenance of vapes or nicotine inhaling products.

The drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage and is prioritised for publication in the Autumn legislative programme.

Other nicotine products such as pouches were not included in the General Scheme for the Bill. I am giving consideration to the regulatory options for such products.