Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is my privilege for the first time as a Deputy for the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency to speak here. I look forward to representing it. The constituency includes south Wicklow and north Wexford and I know the Tánaiste has a strong affinity with both areas. I look forward to working with him and the Government to deliver for our constituents and for the country generally.

I raise the question around legislation concerning nicotine-inhaling devices or vapes. As the Tánaiste knows, the last Government banned the sale of these devices to under-18s. However, legislation was prepared that would deal with the scourge of disposable vapes, now one of the major causes of litter in all our towns, as well as the issue of flavoured vapes and packaging designed to target young people in particular. The former Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, prepared the legislation. I have discussed this issue with the current Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, as well and she is keen to move on it. I would like the Tánaiste's assurance that the Government will address this public health crisis as soon as possible.

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