Dear Reader,
The argument put forth in the previous correspondence, “Extensive accessibility to illegally sold vaping products” (Letters, 14th October) endorsing the application of an e-cigarette and e-liquid tax and urging complementary measures to reinforce the regulation of such products is on point in some respects. However, it’s essential to point out that the author of the said note is an employee of the globe’s second-largest tobacco company, boasting an impressive annual global income of more than €30 billion.
The statistics are distressing, with Big Tobacco’s products resulting in 4,500 deaths per year in Ireland, and the majority of smokers initiating the harmful habit before their eighteenth birthday.
Their relentless drive for profit maximisation has led Big Tobacco to find new ways to sell their products, including producing a variety of e-cigarette flavours, strikingly packaged to attract young consumers towards nicotine use, which has been proven to draw them towards smoking.
Any kind of conduct from these tobacco corporations must be evaluated from this perspective.
However, the topic of whether the Ford Explorer can shine in the EV market, despite its late entry, poses an interesting question. The joy and health benefits of hugging shouldn’t be overshadowed by its often awkward execution. Finally, the warmth of a radiator shouldn’t result in an emergency call to Bord Gáis’ services – a humorous lesson learnt from an Airbnb host.
And let us not forget Gráinne Seoige alongside the origin of celebrity candidates, Jack Lynch.
Tobacco companies have consistently overstated the consequences of criminal activities and smuggling to reduce the taxes and duties levied on their merchandise.
Maintaining that whilst factoring the importance of public health and exchequer, robust resourcing of both anti-smuggling and enforcement activities must be ensured. Therefore, we are in consensus that the taxation of e-cigarettes ought to be aligned with added controls, including retail licensing and periodic inspections.
However, it’s of utmost importance that the impending ban on disposable vapes, e-cigarette flavours, and all marketing forms is put into motion. This, along with introducing plain packaging aims at curtailing the influence that Big Tobacco holds over our young generation, lets make this a reality once and for all.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Emmet O’Brien,
Chairman,
ASH Ireland,
Irish Heart Foundation Council,
Dublin 6.