Smoking in Ireland
In Ireland, smoking is legally allowed but controlled by comprehensive tobacco control regulations. Cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products and are permitted for sale and use with some restrictions. They may be purchased through retail outlets, online platforms, and vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. However, health warnings on packaging are mandatory, the minimum legal age for purchase is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. In addition, a complete ban on all tobacco advertising is in force. Cigarettes in Ireland are subject to an excise tax of 48.53% and a total taxation rate of 76.06%. Despite these regulatory and control measures, smoking continues to contribute to the national health burden. In 2024, there were approximately 730,000 current smokers in Ireland, representing an adult smoking prevalence of 17.2%. In the same year, prevalence was higher among males (20%) than females (14.6%). This prevalence was recorded to be 18.2% in 2022. In 2023, the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was 14%, with an estimated 675,956 daily smokers. In 2021, smoking caused 3,836 deaths in Ireland, including 2,291 deaths among males and 1,546 among females. Overall, tobacco smoking resulted in 11.89% of all deaths in 2021, representing 13.62% of male deaths and 10.01% of female deaths. These statistics underscore the continued public health impact of smoking cigarette in Ireland.
Read articles from Ireland
March 12, 2026 by filtermag.org
Irish Government Grows Ever More Hostile to Vaping
The Irish government has ramped up its hostility towards safer nicotine products by approving new legislation to further tighten restrictions on vapes and nicotine pouches. Though the announcement is confusingly worded, the bill threatens to ban vape flavors.
March 09, 2026 by drinkanddrugsnews.com
A Deep Breath
There is tension between tobacco harm reduction and `traditional` harm reduction. Traditional harm reduction methods have not adequately addressed smoking. E-cigarettes have potential but face misinformation and lack of support. Smoking-related harm extends beyond cigarettes, highlighting the need for safer inhalation methods. Despite its importance, tobacco harm reduction faces resistance within public health sectors, contrasting with the urgency of addressing smoking in drug users.
March 06, 2026 by prohibitiondoesnotwork.com
Ireland Repeats Failed Nicotine Policies Seen Across Europe
Prohibition Does Not Work (PDNW) criticizes Ireland's plan to restrict reduced-risk nicotine products, citing failed policies in Europe. Research shows bans lead consumers to illicit markets or back to smoking. PDNW advises against repeating ineffective measures and urges embracing harm-reduction strategies like Sweden's. The group emphasizes the importance of regulating, not banning, smoke-free nicotine products to protect public health. PDNW warns that pushing these products into illicit markets could harm youth protections. The message is clear: prohibition does not effectively address smoking issues, and Ireland should focus on successful harm-reduction measures instead.
March 05, 2026 by 2firsts.com
Ireland’s 2026 amendment bill to regulate nicotine pouches and tighten rules on vaping products
According to the Irish Examiner, Ireland’s Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor announced that the Government has approved the publication of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026. The proposed legislation aims to further regulate nicotine vaping products and address emerging nicotine products such as nicotine pouches. It would ban the sale of nicotine products, including pouches, to individuals under 18, prohibit advertising and point-of-sale displays of these products in mixed retail outlets, and introduce stricter packaging rules by limiting colours, imagery, and device design, including banning products that resemble toys or games. The bill would also restrict flavour descriptions for vapes to basic names only and limit available flavours in nicotine inhaling products to tobacco.
February 25, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
WHO chief urges Ireland to close EU nicotine ‘loopholes’ ahead of presidency
WHO urged Ireland to influence EU regulations on nicotine products due to industry opposition. Tedros emphasized the need for updated laws addressing vapes and nicotine pouches popular among youth, highlighting gaps in EU rules. Ireland's leadership in tobacco regulation was commended. The delay in revising EU rules has led countries like Ireland to enact their measures. The Commission acknowledges the urgency to tackle increased youth vape use. Ireland's vape tax revenue fell short of forecasts, attributed to difficulties in estimating the market size and compliance issues. Responsible Vaping Ireland suggested tax stamps and crackdowns on the black market. EU negotiations on tobacco control laws may start in 2027.
February 17, 2026 by rte.ie
Why are more young Irish people using nicotine pouches?
Health surveys indicate a rise in nicotine pouch and vape usage, especially among non-cigarette smokers. While vaping has been a concern for youth, the surge in nicotine pouch use has been less acknowledged. These pouches, introduced in 2019, are popular among young adults and adolescents, sometimes replacing e-cigarettes. Concerns about health impacts and limited research exist. Marketing strategies have boosted sales, leading to calls for tighter regulations. The Irish government seeks to ban sales to under 18s. Addressing the dual use of pouches and vapes is crucial, prompting the need for innovative responses from health authorities. Further research is necessary to inform prevention strategies, especially targeting young users.
February 16, 2026 by irishtimes.com
Push to close nicotine loopholes at EU level, WHO chief tells McNeill
The head of the World Health Organization urged the EU to update regulations on nicotine products like vapes and pouches due to industry opposition. The UN chief emphasized the need to address regulatory loopholes threatening tobacco control. Despite delays in revising EU rules, countries like Ireland have taken steps to regulate vapes and tobacco products. The European Commission is evaluating existing regulations, with potential changes expected. Ireland aims to lead negotiations on tobacco legislation during its EU presidency. Concerns over the rise of vaping, especially among youths, have prompted calls for comprehensive tobacco control measures. The Commission's proposal for revising the Tobacco Products Directive may impact negotiations starting in 2027.
February 16, 2026 by irishtimes.com
Government open to banning vapes in cars with children, says Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin considers banning vaping in cars with children, inspired by the UK's plans. Concerned about health impacts due to insufficient assessment, Martin supports stricter measures. The UK government aims to ban vaping in various public spaces to protect children and patients from second-hand smoke. A consultation process seeks input on implementing bans and educating the public. The UK plans to create regulations under the tobacco and vapes Bill for a smoke-free generation. In Ireland, efforts are underway to restrict vape advertising and sales, including banning single-use vapes. Martin advocates for reducing vape usage and addressing health risks, emphasizing the need for continuous review and action.
December 22, 2025 by independent.ie
Growing restrictions on vape sales making it harder for smokers to quit and driving others into hands of criminal dealers
Proposed ban on flavored vapes by the government may hinder smoking cessation efforts for adults while failing to address underage sales concerns. Health Minister's plan could impact thousands benefiting from flavored vapes to quit smoking. Proper regulation on underage sales is suggested as a more effective approach.
December 19, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
Enforcing proposed single-use vape ban may cost over €3m a year, Oireachtas research says
A ban on single-use vapes proposed by the Government may cost €3.1m yearly to enforce. This cost includes funding for 40 full-time HSE posts. The aim is to reduce vaping among youth, with potential public health benefits and impacts on the industry. The law will stop single-use vape sales in Ireland, targeting waste and environmental issues. The Government sees it as crucial for protecting children. The ban may affect industry profits, depending on consumer actions. The focus is on reducing youth vaping and any subsequent rise in smoking rates. Additional expenses are expected for further e-cigarette legislation enforcement.
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