288. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if she is concerned that the proposal to ban flavoured nicotine inhalation devices 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. [13181/26]
289. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health to outline any research carried out by her Department into the potential risks of banning flavoured nicotine inhalation devices; whether the potential knock-on increase in people reverting to cigarette smoking was considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13182/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.

The immediate focus of legislation regarding vaping is on reducing youth uptake.

The proposed measures in the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products)(Amendment) Bill arise from the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee in 2022, a large-scale public consultation held in 2023/2024 and a regulatory impact analysis based on the available data and research on the prevalence of vaping in young people and adults, the evidence of health harms and the interaction between vaping and smoking.

The draft Bill includes a review structure to monitor the impact of all of the measures and includes powers to amend by regulation the list of flavours that can be sold.