26. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to larger disposable nicotine vaping devices, which can deliver up to 25,000 puffs of nicotine vapor that are becoming increasingly prevalent; her views on whether these devices will be covered under the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16473/26]

71. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any research carried out in relation to international comparisons when drafting the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025, and in particular the United Kingdom with regards to their issues in banning larger disposable nicotine vaping devices which can deliver up to 25,000 puffs of nicotine vapor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16474/26]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 71 together.

The Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill will apply to any vape that is single-use including those referred to by the Deputy if they are single use. The definition of single use in the current Bill includes devices which are not refillable, have a battery which cannot be recharged or a coil which cannot be replaced. The development of the legislation included consultation with France, Belgium and the UK to learn from their experience of the implementation of a similar ban.

As with all public health legislation, a suite of measures is required in order to have the intended policy impact. The Public Health (Single-Use Vapes Bill) is one of several interventions aimed at reducing the appeal and availability of nicotine inhaling products to young people. This includes the measures in the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill, and the E-Liquid Products Tax recently implemented by my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Matters relating to the size of a tank, pod or refill container of an electronic cigarette are regulated by the EU Tobacco Products Directive. The National Environmental Health Service of the HSE is the enforcement authority for the relevant provisions.

I understand that there is a campaign by representatives of tobacco manufacturers in relation to the devices referred to here. It is important that Ireland's obligation under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to protect our tobacco control policy from the interests of that industry continue to be upheld.