VAPING SET FOR BIGGER CLAMPDOWN
Public urged to contribute to new consultation
MORE tough restrictions on vaping products could be on the way after a public consultation to regulate their use and availability opened yesterday.
Proposed new laws banning the sale of vaping products to people under 18 are currently before the Oireachtas and now the consultation has been set up to help look at further measures that could be brought in.
Up for discussion were issues such as the display of products, the use of flavours as well as the appearance of packaging, prices, and legislation on vaping indoors.
It is also understood that the Government is looking at increasing the minimum age to buy tobacco products in Ireland.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, and Minister of State for Public Health and the National Drug Strategy Hildegrade Naughton launched the public consultation yesterday SAT
Minister Donnelly said that vaping products “clearly” appeal to young children, and said “we do not yet know the long-term health impacts of their use”.
He said that although he understood their use by adults who are trying to quit smoking, the use of vaping products among young people has “deeply concerned” him.
He said: “This consultation will help us make effective decisions to protect our children from an addictive product, while reducing the extreme harm caused by smoking.”
The public can make a submission until January 5, 2024, through the Department of Health website.
Minister Naughton added: “We can clearly see how some vaping products might be targeted at children or younger people by virtue of their exotic flavouring and colourful packaging.
“This public consultation will help us as ministers to develop legislation around packaging and flavouring of nicotine inhaling products.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to engage with the public consultation taking place over the next four weeks.
“I very much look forward to hearing the views of the members of the public and stakeholders in the weeks ahead.”