1099. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the guidelines for e-cigarettes/vaping on public transport, in hospitals, and so on; her plans to update these guidelines; the mechanisms for enforcement of such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12005/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: My Department has not issued any central guidelines in relation to vaping in public or shared spaces. Guidelines issued in various sectors are a matter for those sectors themselves.

My immediate focus in relation to vaping is to reduce youth uptake. In that context, the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill will shortly enter Committee stage in Dail Eireann. In addition, I will bring the draft Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill to Government in the coming weeks. These measures together reduce the availability and attractiveness of these products for our young people.

My Department is currently in the process of reviewing our national tobacco control policy, Tobacco Free Ireland. As part of this process, consideration will be given to legislative and non-legislative initiatives on smoke and aerosol free areas, taking into account the 2024 EU Council Recommendation on smoke-and aerosol-free environments.