E-cigarettes in Ireland

Ireland: The newly published Healthy Ireland survey 2022 shows 3% of the population are regular vapers, while 22% of people who have successfully quit smoking in the past year did so with the aid of e-cigarettes. Vaping is most common among the under-25s, with 6% of that age group currently using e-cigs.

Ireland: Health minister Stephen Donnelly and public health minister Frank Feighan yesterday received government approval to add additional restrictions to the Public Health (Tobacco Inhaling Products) Bill. The proposed restrictions include a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and related nicotine-inhaling products in vending machines and in places or events intended for children. A proposal banning the advertising of e-cigarettes on public transport, in cinemas and near schools has also been introduced. The bill is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.

Ireland: Research by the Tobacco Free Research Institute Ireland shows that 39% of young people aged between 16 and 17 have tried vaping, while 32% have tried smoking, press reports. The main reasons given for trying e-cigarettes were primarily curiosity (66%) and having friends who vape (29%).

Ireland: Senators have urged stricter regulation of e-cigarettes, press reports. In discussions on the Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, senator Diarmuid Wilson of the Fianna Fáil party said: “We must try to strike a balance between the potential benefits of e-cigarettes for adult smokers trying to quit and the risks that more non-smokers, particularly children and especially young children, will start vaping.” Senator Micheál Carrigy of Fine Gael called for further retail restrictions, including a retail licensing system.

Ireland: The Oireachtas (parliament) Health Committee is continuing its scrutiny of the Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill by hearing the concerns of stakeholders, press reports. This week the Irish Vape Vendors Association (UVVA) stressed to the committee the role of vaping products in smoking cessation and criticised the threat of a flavour ban, which some medical societies have said should be included in the bill.