Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 July 2026
216. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health if her Department is considering a ban on the purchase of tobacco products for future generations, such as was introduced in countries such as New Zealand and the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52003/26]
View answerTobacco is a uniquely lethal product when used exactly as intended by the manufacturer. It kills almost 100 people and causes over 1000 hospitalisations every week in Ireland. There is no age at which it becomes safe to consume tobacco.
Our national tobacco control policy, Tobacco Free Ireland, is currently being reviewed. One of the central goals will be to set out a pathway to end the epidemic of tobacco-related harm in Ireland. My officials and I are considering all measures to fulfill this objective, including a generational ban.
