The Dáil has voted in favour of banning the sale of e-cigarettes to people under the age of 18. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that he hopes the legislation will be passed before Christmas. The changes would also see a ban on advertising of vaping products near schools and on public transport. Retailers selling e-cigarettes will also be subject to a licensing system, and vapes will no longer be available to purchase in vending machines.
Vaping is an emerging risk to the health of children and young people. The number of people who vape has increased significantly in Ireland in recent years. Data focused on 16 year olds, found 1-in-5 were using E-cigarettes in 2019 which is double what it was in 2015. More up-to-date Irish data is due to be published early next year. Based on these recent trends, we expect this will confirm a further increase in E-cigarette use among children and young people in Ireland. Adults’ usage has increased from just 3% in 2016 to 8% in 2023.
The Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, HSE Health & Wellbeing hosted a webinar on vaping on the 22nd November, 2023. Topics covered included:
- Trends in smoking and vaping among adults, children and young people
- A HRB assessment of the Benefits and Risks of harm caused by vaping
- Regulating to better protect people from the harms of vaping
- Support for parents, guardians and teachers to protect children and young people from the harms of vaping.
Click on the link to view the Vaping and E Cigarettes: Get the Facts Webinar 2023.