Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for coming in to discuss this all-important topic. I ask for an update on indoor vaping.

In 2022, I brought a Private Members' motion to this House and the Minister of State's predecessor, Deputy Feighan, took it on behalf of the then Minister, Stephen Donnelly. I was assured we were at an advanced stage of bringing forward recommendations on indoor vaping.

I have had businesses and people in public places on to me and they are not comfortable with people vaping at the next table to them or in the hall. Some businesses have taken it upon themselves to ban indoor vaping. There is European legislation and research on the emissions involved. While there is no proof things are not safe, my understanding is the HSE and the Department were doing some research on it. Where is that at? Businesses which have taken a decision not to allow indoor vaping are not covered by any laws. One or two of them have been threatened with legal proceedings or being sued by people who say they have no right to ban vaping. It is a serious issue and an issue of concern to many people. The ban should be not only in public buildings but also in businesses and indoors in general.