Sadly it looks like Vaping is getting a battering in Ireland.
Some news sites are reporting that the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is aiming to ban single use (disposable) vapes.
Earlier this week, Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe called for disposable vapes to be banned altogether by Government due to their environmental impact.
Mr Donnelly has responded by saying he is planning a second piece of legislation to further clamp down on vapes.
He is looking to curb flavours and advertising in shops as he feels that the flavours and designs of vapes were too “Child-friendly” and that the Government would implement their own laws if there was no action from the EU.
“I fully support the policy,” Mr Donnelly told the Irish Independent. “I’m drafting a second vaping bill to address further issues: flavours, point of sale advertising, possibly other issues.”
On top of this the Minister for the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth wants disposable vapes banned as according to him they are “making the world a worse place”.
“I’d be interested in including a ban on disposable vapes in the Bill, if it’s something Ossian (Smyth) would find useful,” said Mr Donnelly.
Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill
This bill seeks to introduce further legislation relating to Tobacco and Nicotine inhaling products. You can read the bill here.
The second stage of the bill was completed in June 2023 and is currently progressing.
Proposed measures include…
- Ban on sales of nicotine inhaling products to those under 18
- A licencing system to be introduced for the sale of nicotine inhaling products
- Prohibition on the sale of nicotine inhaling products from temporary or moveable premises, events aimed at children and self service vending machines.
- Prohibition of nicotine inhaling product advertising near schools, cinemas or public transport.
- New penalties for retailers who do not act within the law regarding sales
It looks like additional measures may be added including disposable vape bans and further regulation of vape flavours and advertising. However on the current issue of the Bill flavours and disposables are not mentioned.
According to the Irish Mirror…
The spokesman (From the HSE – Health Service Executive) added: “The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill completed the Second Stage on 15 June 2023 and will be enacted in this legislative session.
“The Minister for Health is examining the options for further legislation on e-cigarettes including the advertising of these products, the options in relation to flavours and packaging and a point of sale ban similar to that which applies to tobacco products.”
Also disposable vapes are under threat from the “Circular Economy Act” for environmental reasons.
Responses
WVA
I have published a press release from the WVA (World Vapers’ Alliance) HERE.
VBI
According to the Irish Mirror a spokesperson for Vape Business Ireland (VBI) – Joe Dunne – said it would be counterproductive and has called for stricter enforcement of incoming laws instead.
He said: “We need to get the licence system in. And then we need penalties for breaching regulations, like selling to children, that would be so severe it would scare the hell out of people.”
Mr Dunne of VBI said that there are an estimated 250,000 vape smokers (Urh – vape smokers – no like!!) in Ireland, compared to 700,000 tobacco smokers.
Vapes are even more prevalent in the UK and Mr Dunne claims they have played a part in reducing smoking rates there to the lowest ever, 12.4%.
Smokers in Ireland still make up 18% of the population.
Mr Dunne said: “We have to avoid a black market scenario at all costs because we’ve no idea what’s in the products that will be freely available – and they will be.
“Let’s not fool ourselves here, people will get their hands on them if they want.
“It’s like the fact that 16 year olds can be seen drunk on our streets.
“You’re not saying that just because they can’t legally get alcohol that they’re not going to get their hands on it.
“Let’s regulate and have responsible shop owners and vendors.”
What Happens Next?
Well nothing concrete has been put in place as yet so it is a case of “wait and see”.
I am not sure if this is relevant but the government of Ireland seem to be liaising with representatives of WHO (World Health Organisation).
W.H.O. of course are pretty anti-vaping…
Myself and @DonnellyStephen had a good discussion this afternoon at #UNGA78 with @DrTedros and @DrMikeRyan on global pandemic preparedness and Ireland’s ongoing support for the @WHO’s work in public health. pic.twitter.com/mHjp1aNmy9
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 20, 2023
Very useful meeting with @DrTedros @DrMikeRyan @WHO and @MichealMartinTD on pandemic preparedness. https://t.co/5Wmhiswke2
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 20, 2023
Related Tweets / X Posts…
Great to see in today’s @Independent_ie coverage of my call for single use disposable vapes to be banned. Minister @smytho has has signalled action in this area and of the options available I’d support a ban rather than an unworkable deposit scheme. pic.twitter.com/qYMnkh9nhY
— Paul McAuliffe TD (@PaulMcauliffe) September 20, 2023
“Ireland disposable vape ban proposal sparks fury and fears of black market boom”
“We have to avoid a black market scenario at all costs because we’ve no idea what’s in the products that will be freely available – and they will be. Let’s not fool ourselves here, people will get…— Lance Churchill (@LanceChurchill) September 21, 2023
This morning on Today with Claire Byrne, Paul McCauliffe TD and Dr. Garrett McGovern debated a ban on disposable vapes.
Dr. Garrett McGovern highlighted the importance of sustainability but warned against a full ban. https://t.co/Qg8dlVtxcv
— Vape Business Ireland (@VapeBusinessIre) September 20, 2023
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