Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Regarding Dr. Cullen's point about vapes, they were introduced as a smoking cessation tool. We could argue over whether they are or not but the fact is that the genie is out of the bottle in that respect. We have allowed big tobacco to buy into that sector and we now see the way the vapes are marketed and they have nothing to do with smoking cessation. People are starting on vapes through culture and fashion and all that type of thing, which is a danger.

Regarding the legalising of cannabis, I am sure Dr. Cullen has heard a number of people in the healthcare area, and particularly mental health care, talking about the dangers of cannabis for young people taking it. He may be right and we may have to legalise it if it is legalised in countries close to us. How do we get the balance right here? That is what I am struggling to understand.