Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

496. To ask the Minister for Health his policy in relation to the use of electronic cigarettes in enclosed public spaces; the research that is being done in relation to electronic cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22054/17]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The use of e-cigarettes also known as 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 introduction of the workplace smoking ban was based on clear and unequivocal evidence that second hand smoke is harmful to non-smokers. That evidence base does not exist for the aerosol generated from e-cigarettes. However individual organisations/companies are free to introduce an e-cigarette free policy if they so choose to prevent people vaping where they would not be free to smoke.

My Department will continue to monitor the emerging research on these products, so as to inform decisions around any future additional regulation in this area.