Stephen Donnelly, the Health Minister, has been granted approval by the Cabinet to commence drafting a law to forbid the sale of single-use e-cigarettes and further tighten limitations on refillable electronic smoking devices. This move follows the prohibition of selling these products to those below the age of 18 in the previous December. This initiative is part of broader efforts to decrease smoking habits.
Smoking-linked diseases claim approximately 4,500 lives in Ireland annually, with a majority of these illnesses connected to the chemical contents of tobacco. Though e-cigarettes dispense only nicotine and may cause less harm in this context, studies cited by the Minister indicate that 18% of under-18 vape users eventually become smokers.
The lasting impact of vaping on health remains uncertain. However, there is evidence of negative effects on both physical and mental health among young individuals. Some by-products have also been identified as potential carcinogens.
From a public health stance, there is abundant evidence endorsing the prohibition of single-use e-cigarettes, which the government believes are intentionally marketed to under-18 individuals. The debate focuses on whether the Minister’s actions are sufficiently robust, given he has stopped short of a complete vaping ban.
Alternatively, he has unveiled a suite of actions designed to combat the marketing of refillable e-cigarettes to young individuals. These will involve restrictions on colour, imagery, and design. There will also be restrictions on the variety and names of flavours, with the goal being to only permit a single flavour: tobacco.
The proposed law aligns with similar approaches taken in other EU regions. Belgium is set to ban single-use e-cigarettes next year, while France’s health minister has recently outlined plans for a similar ban.
The UK’s Labour government has stated its intention to follow through on constraints pledged by the outgoing administration, akin to Donnelly’s intentions. While this will streamline the enforcement of new restrictions, continued vigilance will be essential for any prohibition. The drafting of the new law should be informed by a review of the current regime’s effectiveness.