Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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449. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on proposals to ban the use of cigarette vending machines in bars; the process for same; the timeframe he is considering; if submissions can be made; his views on the effects such a ban would have on the sale of black market cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2712/15]

Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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450. To ask the Minister for Health if compensation will be paid to the approximately 145 legal tax compliant businesses that will be forced to close down if the proposed ban on cigarette vending machines goes ahead. [2713/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 450 together.

In June 2014, the Government approved the drafting of legislation to provide for measures in relation to the sale of tobacco products and non-medicinal nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes (NMNDS).

Work is ongoing in relation to this legislation and details have yet to be decided on the provisions that will be included. My Department conducted a public consultation on this legislation and submissions were received, the closing date was 16th January 2015. An analysis of the submissions will be conducted and a consultation report will be prepared. This report will inform the Regulatory Impact Analysis and the drafting of the Heads of Bill. It is expected that Heads of Bill will be published during 2015.