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
October 09, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Ireland Taxes Eliquid
Ireland’s Department of Finance has introduced a tax on e-liquids, called the E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), effective 1 November 2025. The tax targets suppliers at the first point of supply, who must register with Revenue and self-assess the duty. The government says the measure aims to protect public health and curb vaping, especially among young people. While EU-wide rules on vaping taxation are under review, Ireland and other countries are implementing domestic taxes in the meantime.
September 26, 2025 by socialdemocrats.ie
Urgent need for regulation of nicotine pouches
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore urgently calls for government regulation of nicotine pouch sales and marketing due to their rising use among teenagers. She stresses the lack of age restrictions and oversight in corner shops, where these products are widely available, aggressively marketed, and flavored to appeal to children. The strong nicotine hit poses addiction risks, and schools report disruptions. Whitmore urges immediate action to ban sales to under-18s, restrict marketing, and provide guidance to schools, as the tobacco industry targets a new generation in the absence of legislation. She emphasizes the need for swift government intervention to address the issue promptly.
September 23, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
Ireland’s delayed vape tax set to take effect by end of year
Ireland is set to introduce a tax on vape liquid, with a levy of 50c per milliliter planned to start by the end of the year. Measures to implement the tax, aimed at curbing youth vaping, are in advanced stages. The government is also increasing restrictions on vaping, including bans on sales to those under 18 and plans to prohibit disposable vapes along with stricter rules on flavors and advertising. Enforcement of regulations is crucial, with concerns raised about retail compliance and the need for effective prosecution of offenders.
September 08, 2025 by thejournal.ie
Vaping is hooking a new generation of Irish people on nicotine, Lancet study suggests
A recent study in The Lancet reveals a rise in e-cigarette use among Irish people, particularly the youth, without a strong link to quitting smoking. Although some evidence suggests that e-cigarettes may assist in smoking cessation, concerns about health risks and a new generation getting hooked on nicotine are growing. The research calls for urgent action to curb vaping, especially among young people. Despite declining smoking rates in Ireland, the use of nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, has surged. The study, based on data from the Healthy Ireland survey, warns of a significant public health issue and emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on vaping.
August 27, 2025 by rte.ie
Minister in favour of nicotine pouch ban for children
Minister Carroll MacNeill supports banning nicotine pouches for under-18s due to concerns over their appeal to teenagers. Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power criticizes the marketing of these pouches to youth, emphasizing their attractive packaging and discreet use. Power warns of a potential epidemic similar to vaping and criticizes the slow government response to regulating nicotine products. She calls for broader legislation covering not only e-cigarettes but also emerging products like pouches. Power also condemns music festivals sponsored by nicotine brands as unethical, urging organizers to reconsider such partnerships. Regulatory action is urged to prevent underage nicotine use.
August 08, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
Ireland’s Crackdown on Vape Sales to Minors Sees Few Consequences
Nearly 15% of retailers across Ireland have been caught violating laws banning the sale of vapes to children, with only a fraction facing legal consequences, according to new figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE). Enacted in December 2023, the law makes it illegal to sell nicotine-inhaling products to those under 18 years old.
August 08, 2025 by taxfoundation.org
Are Tobacco Taxes Still a Reliable Source of Revenue?
Tobacco taxes have been a cash cow for governments around the world. World Health Organization (WHO) data suggest that combined annual global taxes on cigarettes are approaching $1 trillion. In many countries, however, cigarette tax collections shrink each year because fewer people smoke. This tremendous win for public health should be a cause for celebration. But for governments that have become (...)
August 01, 2025 by irishtimes.com
Tobacco Lobby Keen for Government to Regulate New Golden Goose
The tobacco industry is continuing its streak of pushing the Government to increase regulation and taxation on its new golden goose: smoking-alternative products. British American Tobacco (Bat) is warning the Government that the State’s illicit vape trade will thrive unless the excise tax on vapes is urgently rolled out alongside “strong enforcement measures”.
July 15, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
HSE cannot support vaping and nicotine pouch addiction through quit smoking programmes
The HSE lacks funding for vaping and nicotine pouch addiction support in quit smoking programs, despite increased demand. A proposal for a cessation service awaits government approval, needing additional resources. Currently, services cater to those quitting tobacco or dual users. Concerns arise as vaping and nicotine pouch use surges among non-tobacco smokers. Regulation gaps and increased uptake of pouches prompt calls for expanded legislation. Efforts by the Minister of State for Public Health focus on youth addiction awareness and regulatory changes, like banning disposable vapes and limiting flavors. Cooperation with the Health Minister is essential to develop comprehensive strategies for vaping and pouch cessation within the overall health plan.
July 03, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
HSE issues vapes alert on six e-cigarettes falsely labelled as nicotine-free
The HSE warns against using six mislabeled vapes containing high levels of nicotine. Customers can return them to the store where purchased. Identified products are listed, with nicotine levels up to 30 mg/ml. Retailers are urged to ensure compliance to prevent risks and legal consequences. Irish regulations prohibit vape sales to under-18s and propose further restrictions on vape products, including color and flavor limits. Concerns persist about vaping's impact on smoking rates, prompting ongoing policy reviews. The Public Health Bill aims to curb youth vaping. Legislation was passed to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Tobacco Free Ireland policy is being reviewed to achieve a tobacco-free country.