Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
581. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health following on from the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025, her plans to deal with the sale and advertising of nicotine pouches targeted at minors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18107/26]
View answerThe Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill was approved by Government for publication on the 3rd of March. In addition to the comprehensive measures in the Bill on nicotine inhaling products it will also set out baseline regulation of all current and future products that contain nicotine, such as nicotine pouches.The Bill will:
• Prohibit the sale of nicotine consumption products such as pouches to those under 18.
• Prohibit the advertising of nicotine consumption products in all retail outlets and prohibit their point-of-sale display in mixed retail outlets. Nicotine pouches are not currently subject to regulation under European Union tobacco control legislation. A harmonised EU-wide framework for regulating novel nicotine products would be the most effective approach, as it prevents regulatory circumvention through cross-border purchases. In this context and representing the views of Ireland and several other Member States, I have urged the European Commission to introduce new legislation at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, I also have advocated for the inclusion of all novel nicotine products—such as nicotine pouches—within the scope of this proposal. I have also called for a prohibition on cross-border distance sales to ensure the integrity of national regulatory measures.
