Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As well the measure proposed under the public health (tobacco and nicotine inhaling products) Bill, it is important to recognise that electronic cigarettes are also regulated under EU legislation. A tobacco products directive that was published in 2014 was transposed into Irish law following the EU legislation. Under the regulations, health warnings that advise consumers that electronic cigarettes contain nicotine are mandatory on packaging. The regulations also provide for mandatory safety and quality requirements for electronic cigarettes and refill containers, including maximum nicotine concentrations and maximum volumes for cartridges, tanks and nicotine liquid containers. E-cigarette manufacturers or importers are required to notify the HSE of all products they place on the market, and if a manufacturer, importer or distributor has a reason to believe the product is not safe, they are required to notify the HSE immediately and to explain what corrective action has been taken.

Advertising for e-cigarettes is also prohibited on television, radio, online and in printed publications. The tobacco products directive is currently being reviewed as part of the EU's Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, and it is very likely this will result in proposals for further regulation of electronic cigarettes.

The measures contained in the public health (tobacco and nicotine inhaling products) Bill, together with the existing regulations provided by the tobacco product directive, will create a comprehensive regulatory system for electronic cigarettes in Ireland. Taken together, these laws will ensure e-cigarettes and related products and those businesses that operate in this market are appropriately regulated and will act, as the Senators have said, to prevent young people from accessing and using these products.