John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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2342.To ask the Minister for Health the measures his Department is taking to address the increase in young people vaping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32579/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 aims to reduce the health harms of smoking through reducing the use of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, particularly by young people. Under that Act I prohibited the sale of nicotine inhaling products to those aged under 18 from 22 December 2023.

In March 2024 I commenced:

• A prohibition on the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products at events for children to come into operation in September.
• Restrictions on advertisements for nicotine inhaling products on public transport, in cinemas, and near schools to come into operation in September.
• A statutory framework for test purchases of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products to come into operation immediately.

I also intend to introduce legislation to further regulate nicotine inhaling products and recently held a public consultation to inform this process. I sought views on flavours, appearance and packaging and point of sale display of nicotine inhaling products. The consultation received 15,822 responses. These responses are being analysed and will inform the development of legislation alongside evidence reviews, regulatory impact assessment and legal advice. A report on consultation will be published in the coming weeks.

Finally, it is my intention to include a complete ban on disposable vapes in my proposals.