Health Minister set to bring proposal banning sale of vapes to under-18s before

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is due to propose a ban on the sale of nicotine-inhaling products to those aged under 18 before the Cabinet today.

The announcement follows a review by the Health Research Board, which found that children who vaped were five times more likely to go on and start smoking.

The proposal will also include a ban on advertisements, which will extend to public transport and cinemas, in an effort to limit children’s exposure to nicotine-inhaling products.

He admitted to the RTÉ News that he is ‘very uneasy about the widespread sale of vaping products to children.’

“I think this is an important move to protect children,” Minister Donnelly added.

The Fianna Fáil TD also said that another provision of the bill would propose a ban on the sale of those products from certain outlets, such as vending machines.

Minister Donnelly said he would like to see the bill through all stages in the first few months of next year.

If the new bill is approved, it is likely to be introduced in the Oireachtas in early 2023.