Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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223. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department will acknowledge the impact that vaping products are having for those that are looking for a viable alternative to smoking in the context of the recently published Healthy Ireland survey in October 2016; his plans for quit.ie to provide adult smokers with information regarding vaping; if evidence suggests an increase in vaping corresponds to a reduction in smoking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6283/17]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Vaping is a relatively new occurrence. While the market share for electronic cigarettes and refill containers is growing, the long-term effects of vaping on public health are not yet known. Electronic cigarettes are regulated by the European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016. These Regulations transposed the European Tobacco Products Directive and came into effect on 20 May 2016.

The Department, in pursuing the recommendations of Tobacco Free Ireland requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to carry out a health technology assessment (HTA) of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical smoking cessation products and services. By conducting this HTA, HIQA will be in a position to provide impartial, expert advice on the value (clinical and economic) of a range of smoking cessation therapies to ensure the best outcome for the public and a prudent use of resources. Interested parties were invited to submit feedback via a public consultation on a draft HIQA report before it is finalised and submitted as advice to Minister Harris and the HSE.

The results of the health technology assessment will inform health policy decisions about potential improvements to the provision of smoking cessation services within Ireland’s public health service.