427. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department has considered implementing regulations for nicotine pouch marketing in an effort to reduce the addictive potential of such products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60617/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: Nicotine pouches are not currently subject to regulation under either domestic or European Union tobacco control legislation. I am currently considering regulation on this matter. A harmonised EU-wide framework for regulating novel nicotine products would be more effective than individual Member State action, as it prevents regulatory circumvention through cross-border purchases.

In this context, I have, while representing Ireland and several other Member States, recently urged the European Commission to introduce new legislation at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, I also have advocated for the inclusion of all novel nicotine products—such as nicotine pouches—within the scope of this proposal. I have also called for a prohibition on cross-border distance sales to ensure the integrity of national regulatory measures.