1065. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding vaping; her plans to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7820/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: The immediate focus of policy and legislation regarding vaping is on reducing youth uptake. The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 introduced a suite of measures to tackle the rise in youth vaping including prohibiting the sale of nicotine inhaling products to persons under the age of 18, a new licensing system for the retail sale of nicotine inhaling products, a ban on self-service vending machines and a ban on the advertisement of nicotine inhaling products on public transport, in cinemas and near schools.

The licensing system came into operation on 2nd February and will give the National Environmental Health Service robust oversight of who is selling nicotine inhaling products such as vapes. Those who wish to sell these products will have to apply for a licence and renew it annually. The legislation allows for increased penalties for offences such as selling to minors, including revocation of the licence. Licences will not be granted to temporary or moveable premises such as those at festivals, and the sale of these products at events aimed at children is also prohibited.

Furthermore, the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which is currently before the Oireachtas, will ban the sale of single-use or "disposable" vapes, in recognition of the dual health and environmental impact of these products.

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 will ensure that nicotine inhaling products sold do not have eye-catching imagery or colours, and advertising will be banned in all retail. Point-of-Sale display will also be prohibited in most shops. Flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names will be prohibited, and the range of possible flavour names significantly restricted. The drafting of this Bill is at a very advanced stage. 

In addition to legislation, work is ongoing within the HSE to increase access to information on nicotine products for young people, parents and schools:

• Junior Cycle SPHE resources were published in 2023 on the impact of nicotine, tobacco use, second-hand smoke, e-cigarettes and vaping.

• The HSE’s guidance for schools on vaping includes information on the impact of nicotine on adolescents.

• The HSE is currently updating its public-facing resources on recreational nicotine products (such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches).

• Funding was allocated in Budget 2025 and continued in Budget 2026 for a youth vaping prevention media campaign. This campaign has been developed by the HSE and provides evidence-based information to young people and their guardians.