Urgent Update: Government Moves to Ban Single-Use Vapes

UPDATE: The Government of Ireland is taking decisive action to ban the sale of single-use disposable vapes, with plans now at an advanced stage. Minister of State for Public Health, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, delivered this urgent news during a debate on youth tobacco use, highlighting alarming statistics that show 32% of 15 and 16-year-olds have experimented with vaping, and 16% are current users.

The proposed legislation, which aims to eliminate these products from the market, was initially suggested by the Department of Health in 2023. Following Cabinet’s approval of draft laws, the Bill is now awaiting presentation before the Oireachtas for final approval. Minister Murnane O’Connor stated, “These numbers are unacceptable, and one of my priorities is to take whatever action we can to bring them down to zero.”

The Minister emphasized the Government’s resolve to combat youth nicotine use, labeling disposable vapes as “the revenge of the tobacco industry.” She addressed the specific targeting of children by these products, which are often marketed in a way that appeals directly to younger audiences.

The upcoming Public Health (single-use vapes) Bill is designed to ban all sales of single-use or disposable vapes, a move that the Minister insists is critical for protecting children from nicotine addiction. “The removal of these low-price products should reduce their availability for our children, as well as addressing the huge environmental issue caused by their disposal,” she added.

This new legislation follows the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, which already prohibits the sale of nicotine vapes to anyone under 18 years old. The Act also restricts advertising of vape products near schools, on public transport, and in cinemas, further minimizing exposure to young people.

As part of these sweeping changes, starting next week, vapes will no longer be sold from vending machines, signaling a robust effort to curb easy access to these products among minors.

The urgency of this legislative push underscores the Government’s commitment to public health and safeguarding future generations from the harms of nicotine. With these new measures, officials are hopeful for a significant decline in youth vaping rates.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Government prepares to publish the Bill in this legislative term, aiming for comprehensive action against disposable vapes. The fight against youth nicotine use is intensifying, and every moment counts.