Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
895. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the steps she is taking to ensure that vape shops do not specifically target children or young people in the sale of their products as at present some shops are using bright colours and words such as “candy” next to the word “vape” in their shop names, signage and advertisements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49532/26]
View answerThere are a number of ongoing legislative changes to strengthen regulation of nicotine inhaling products and the retail environment in which they are sold, with the aim of preventing youth uptake.
The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 introduced a suite of measures to tackle the rise in youth vaping. This includes prohibiting the sale of nicotine inhaling products to persons under the age of 18, a ban on self-service vending machines and further restrictions on the advertisement of nicotine inhaling products on public transport, in cinemas and near schools.
The Act also introduced a new licensing system for the retail sale of nicotine inhaling products. This came into effect in February 2026 with a six month transition period for retailers already selling nicotine inhaling products. Under this system, retailers wishing to sell these products must apply for a licence annually with the accompanying fee. This will give the National Environmental Health Service in the HSE much greater oversight of retailers who sell these products. Temporary or moveable premises will not be granted a licence. Greater enforcement tools are available to the enforcement authority, including revocation of licence.
Further legislation is also being developed to reduce the appeal and availability of nicotine inhaling products to young people. The Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025 will ban the sale of single-use or "disposable" vapes, in recognition of the dual health and environmental impact of these products and their appeal to children and young people.
The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 will ensure that nicotine inhaling products sold do not have eye-catching imagery or colours, and advertising will be banned in all retail settings. Display of the products will also be prohibited in mixed retail premises, as is currently the case for cigarettes. Flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names will be prohibited, and the range of possible flavour names significantly restricted.
Both of these Bills are currently making their way through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
