The legal age for smoking in the UK is set to be increased from 18 to 21, according to legislative proposals introduced in the Dáil by Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly. However, dissenting TDs suggest that immediate attention towards vaping is of greater importance.
Mr Donnelly stated that the proposed Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill’s objective is to progressively eliminate tobacco products from the lives of people, especially children. He referred to the legislation as an “end-game measure” symbolising the impending end of tobacco consumption in the society.
David Cullinane, the health spokesman for Sinn Féin, however, criticised the proposal for not addressing vaping, hence ignoring the concern of nicotine access. He pointed out that plenty of children were exposed to vaping because its sale to minors was legal for a period, and lacks regulations for advertising, packaging or flavours targeted towards children.
Mr Donnelly explained that raising the age of sale to 21 would largely affect those who might have experimented with smoking during their younger years but only developed a regular habit after turning 18. He cited that statistics from the EU, UK and the US have shown a significant percentage of smokers become regular users between ages 18 to 25.
As per the law, when enacted, will be in effect from February 2028, making the UK the first EU country to prohibit smoking for those under 21. For a first offence, the penalties include fines up to €4,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
From a 27% smoking rate among adults prior to the 2002 workplace smoking ban, it has currently reduced to 18%. Mr Donnelly noted that quitting smoking was reportedly more challenging for people addicted to Class A drugs than detoxing.
However, Mr Cullinane criticised the Bill as being both superficial and impracticable. He argued that it was unreasonable to allow an 18-year-old to join the Defence Forces, purchase vapes or alcohol, but deny them the right to buy cigarettes. He also warned that such restrictions could encourage a black market for tobacco and affect cross-border trade.
Thomas Gould, the Sinn Féin TD for Cork North-Central, criticised the lack of action towards restricting certain vaping products lauded for their colourful design and flavours like candy floss, Red Bull, and pink lemonade, targeted at the younger demographic. He accused the Minister of failing to ban such items, allowing young people to continue purchasing nicotine-infused vapes. Gould also expressed dissatisfaction over the allowance of vaping product promotions on previously cigarette-advertising machines, especially those targeted at younger audiences, even though cigarette advertising itself has been banned.
Róisín Shortall, TD for the Social Democrats, supported the Bill, acknowledging Ireland’s potential to lead in reducing vaping amongst young people. However, she argued that the legislation was insufficient and urged for a much more forceful approach towards stricter vaping laws. Shortall referenced the Growing Up in Ireland 2023 survey, which found that 9% of 13-year-olds had tried vaping, outnumbering the 3% who had smoked a cigarette. She also brought attention to a Foróige study, revealing that over a third (36%) of teens aged 13-16 have admitted to vaping, emphasising the urgency to address and tackle this growing concern.