Tobacco Control Measures

Thursday, 28 May 2026

Questions (511, 512, 513, 516, 722)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

511. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of vape retail outlets operating in the State in each year since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40861/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

512. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department maintains a national register or database of vape retail outlets operating within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40862/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

513. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if a public health assessment has been undertaken regarding the concentration or proliferation of vape and smoke retail outlets in Irish cities, towns and villages over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40863/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

516. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to introducing a national licensing system for vape and smoke retail outlets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40866/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

722. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of retail premises licensed or registered to sell vaping products in Ireland as of the most recent data available; whether her Department has assessed the density of such premises relative to schools and youth facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41303/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 511, 512, 513, 516 and 722 together.

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 introduced a suite of measures to tackle the rise in youth vaping including the introduction of a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products such as vapes. Previously, there was a once-off registration system for tobacco retailers, and no register for retailers of nicotine inhaling products.

The licensing system came into operation on the 2nd of February 2026, and businesses which were already selling nicotine inhaling products have 6 months to apply for a licence. It will give the HSE's National Environmental Health Service robust oversight of who is selling nicotine inhaling products. Those who wish to sell these products will have to apply for a licence, pay the required fee and renew that licence annually. The legislation allows for increased penalties for offences such as selling to minors, including revocation of a licence. In addition, licences will not be granted to temporary or moveable premises such as those at festivals, and the sale of these products at events aimed at children is also prohibited.

Question No. 512 answered with Question No. 511.

Question No. 513 answered with Question No. 511.