Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 510, 511 and 512 together.

The unique context for the low smoking rate in Sweden is the traditional and continuing use of "snus", a form of smokeless tobacco, in addition to strong tobacco control measures. Daily snus consumption rates in Sweden increased to 14% in 2022 with the largest increases being among younger populations. Sweden's very low rate of smoking is an outlier as compared to other European countries with our own daily smoking rate of 14% being below the EU average daily rate of 19.7%

My current legislative priority is the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill which will introduce a new licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products. The Bill will also ban the sale of tobacco products through self-service vending machines, from temporary or "pop up" shops and at events for children.

I have recently launched a public consultation which primarily focuses on the further regulation of nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes. However the consultation also contains questions designed to elicit the public’s response to raising the legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21 or beyond. I am determined to examine all measures that can reduce the death and disease caused by smoking.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the licensing system to be introduced under the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, the primary factor affecting the timeline will be the development of the necessary software to underpin the licensing system. The intention is that the system will be simple to use with a minimal administrative burden on retailers wishing to apply for or renew a licence. Retailers will be given ample warning time in advance of the introduction of the system.

In relation to the fee amount, I have not yet determined the level at which the annual fees will be set but it is my view that the fee amount should reflect the serious nature of the products being sold.

I note that fee amounts vary considerably in other jurisdictions, ranging from the equivalent of 163 euro to 784 euro in different Australian states. A tobacco retailer annual licence costs 680 euro equivalent in Ottawa and 880 euro equivalent in Oregon. In Finland the model is a licence fee of 100 to 180 euro, plus an annual supervision fee of a maximum of 500 euro for tobacco and a maximum of 1,000 euro for tobacco and nicotine liquids combined. Within our own jurisdiction there is currently a 500 euro annual fee per category of alcohol product to be sold, so a retailer that wishes to sell wine, beer, spirits and cider will pay 2,000 euro per year. I will take these various approaches into consideration when determining the fee amount.