Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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225. To ask the Minister for Health for a timeline on the drafting, publication and introduction of the general scheme of the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2024; if pre-legislative scrutiny is planned in respect of the same planned legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3663/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Cabinet approval was given on 10 September to proposals for a Bill to further regulate nicotine inhaling products. The general scheme of the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill was also published at this time. Those proposals are now being drafted with the Office of the Attorney General.

Pre legislative scrutiny was waived by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on 25 September. The waiver was requested on the basis that the provisions in the Bill primarily stem from the recommendations made by the Committee during pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2019.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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226. To ask the Minister for Health if the proposed new license fees for retail of tobacco products will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners similar to the collection of fees for licenses for other excise categories such as intoxicating liquor, betting, mineral oils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3664/25]

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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228. To ask the Minister for Health if the revenue generated from the new licensing system for tobacco and vapes will be ring-fenced for expenditure on increased inspection and test-purchasing of retail units to ensure compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3667/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 228 together.

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 introduces a licensing system for retailers with the specific intention of denormalising tobacco retailing and reflecting the seriousness of the harms caused by tobacco compared to other products.

The Act provides that the Health Service Executive is the relevant authority for the operation of the licensing system including collection of fees, and for enforcement of the overall legislation. This is being undertaken by the National Environmental Health Service (NEHS) within the HSE. The NEHS is the appropriate authority to administer the licensing system because it is, first and foremost, a public health measure. The NEHS is currently operating the registration system that the licensing system will replace, and is responsible for enforcing all existing tobacco control law.

Funding for enforcement activity is determined via the annual Budget process and subsequent National Service Plan.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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227. To ask the Minister for Health for detailed guidance to retailers on the operation of the new licensing system for tobacco and vapes, including details of how to register and deadlines for registration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3666/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.