Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister and the Department are aware of the increasing evidence on the harmful effects of vaping, which has emerged in recent years and is becoming very popular. All present are aware of the expansion of the industry onto high streets and, clearly, how profitable it must be if rates and so on can be paid on such a number of outlets for these products. If the products are to be marketed as a smoking cessation aid, they must be subjected to the normal regulatory approval processes and procedures. However, it appears that they are a technological drug delivery device. If they are not smoking cessation products, they are, essentially, glorified cigarettes. The formulations of nicotine used are addictive.