Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026: Second Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-09-22
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Maria Byrne (FG), Agricultural Panel

I thank the Minister of State for coming here today and bringing forward this very important legislation. It is good that we are bringing forward the Bill. The Minister of State outlined the scope of the Bill and what she intends to do. I recently met representatives of the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation. They have concerns that in the current wording of the Bill, flavours and graphic colourful packaging are significant factors that draw young people, which the Minister of State mentioned. Is it proposed that flavour and packaging restrictions do not extend to nicotine consumption products under the current wording of the Bill? Maybe she could look at that. The organisations were concerned that the Bill would not go far enough. The flavours and smells are attracting young people. That might be the best way of putting it.
Another thing was raised with me as well that I am not sure whether it is in the Bill. These are the big puffs, which can have up to 25,000 puffs. In the UK I understand they can be up to 50,000 puffs out of one vape. That is not currently illegal in Ireland but it is something that needs to be looked at in the long term. Perhaps now is an opportune time for it to be included. It is good that there are going to be restrictions. It is about discouraging people from vaping because even though we do not have proof regarding vaping, it is believed and I believe myself, that it is not good for you. The number of people smoking has decreased due to the smoking ban but we now see people vaping all over the place. It is good that we are looking at restrictions on vaping going forward. I commend the Minister of State and the Department on bringing this forward. I am looking forward to working with her on it.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-09-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-22