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.
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March 27, 2025 by irishnews.com
Government plans for ‘smoke-free generation’ move closer to becoming law
MPs have approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the UK, aiming to create a smoke-free generation by gradually raising the legal smoking age and regulating vaping products to protect youth. The bill bans under-18s from buying nicotine products, restricts vape advertising, and prohibits smoking near schools and hospitals. The proposal also includes plans to regulate vape packaging and flavors to prevent appeal to children. Despite opposition, the bill passed in the House of Commons, focusing on reducing smoking and youth vaping. The bill will face further review in the House of Lords.
February 10, 2025 by wordpress.com
Reaction to clickbait from the HSE.
The text criticizes the HSE for falsely claiming vaping causes cancer and highlights discrepancies in the Tobacco Free Ireland Program, which fails to consider vaping as a smoking alternative. In contrast, New Zealand includes vaping in its smoke-free goals and implements safer vaping regulations. The Irish vaping proposals restrict advertisement and flavors, contrasting with New Zealand's approach. The text expresses frustration with Ireland's outdated policies and emphasizes the need to reassess strategies to reduce smoking rates effectively. It mentions concerns about the Minister for Health's legacy and suggests the tobacco industry may benefit from these ineffective policies.
January 31, 2025 by irishmirror.ie
Warning issued by HSE about four specific types of vape sold in Ireland
The HSE warns the public about vapes in Ireland exceeding legal nicotine levels. Four implicated products include ADADA A8, Crystal PRO MAX, Savage Vape, and McKesse MK Bar. Consumers are urged to stop using them, return to the point of purchase, and contact a GP if experiencing adverse effects. Retailers must ensure compliance with legal obligations. If importing from outside the EU, additional notification to the HSE is required. Check if your vape is affected, cease use, and report issues to [email protected]. Consider responsibilities as an importer and ensure products meet safety standards. Join the Irish Mirror for news and exclusive offers.
January 31, 2025 by thejournal.ie
HSE notifies public to stop using four types of vape as EU-wide safety warning issued
The HSE warns against using electronic cigarettes with high nicotine levels, including ADADA A8, The Crystal PRO, Savage Vape, and McKesse MK Bar. Tests showed nicotine concentrations exceeding legal limits. Consumers are advised to check their products, stop using them, and contact the HSE if experiencing adverse effects. Retailers must remove and recall the affected items. An investigation revealed widespread illegal sales of non-compliant vapes, risking public safety. The HSE is conducting further probes into stores selling unlawful products. Over 64 tonnes of illegal vapes were seized to prevent entry into Ireland in the past two years, with penalties imposed on violators.
January 28, 2025 by daily-pouch.com
Nicotine Pouches Under Attack in Ireland
Paul Crone, from The National Association of Principals in Ireland, raises concerns about nicotine pouches' use. Articles on this topic have surfaced in various media outlets. Misinformation and bias against these products are evident in Ireland due to a misunderstanding of harm reduction. Attempts to regulate underage access to pouches focus on a legal loophole. Jennifer Whitmore advocates for stricter regulations, emphasizing the issue of concealing pouches in schools. However, the real issue lies in broader challenges faced by schools, such as mental health, educational disparities, and teacher shortages. Instead of focusing on minor issues, efforts should prioritize supporting healthier alternatives to smoking.
January 20, 2025 by irishmirror.ie
Teachers concerned students are buying highly addictive nicotine pouches due to 'legal loophole'
Teenagers are using nicotine pouches similar to snus, but without tobacco, evading tobacco laws. These pouches are inexpensive, flavored, and contain 4-11mg of nicotine. Professional athletes and influencers endorse them, masking their risks. The Director of the National Association of Principals urges awareness of long-term health effects, stating teens wrongly perceive them as harmless due to the lack of visible smoke or vapor. These products have no age restrictions, posing difficulty in monitoring student use. Authorities are urged to issue a health advisory notice, as current laws do not regulate non-tobacco nicotine products being sold in Ireland, highlighting a regulatory loophole.
January 20, 2025 by euroweeklynews.com
Nicotine pouch school epidemic raises alarm
Children in Ireland are turning to unregulated nicotine pouches, known as 'nicopods,' to get a discreet nicotine high. These pouches, legal in Ireland but without age restrictions, are causing concern in schools due to addiction risks and their odorless, hard-to-detect nature. Parents and schools lack effective tools to address the issue, prompting calls for action to prevent a potential surge in teen nicotine use. School efforts, such as education programs, aim to tackle the problem, but critics argue more stringent measures are needed. Parents are advised to monitor children closely and discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction. The debate continues on whether to ban these pouches.
January 20, 2025 by independent.ie
Retailers face annual fees of €1,000 to sell tobacco and vapes under new licensing rules
From February 2026, annual licences costing up to €1,000 will be required for selling tobacco and nicotine-inhaling products in Ireland. The new licensing regime aims to deter retailers and reduce tobacco and vape availability. Licences must be obtained for each premises from the HSE. Retailers must be over 18, and licenses won't be issued for temporary locations. The National Environmental Health Service can revoke licences and publicize offenders. The initiative aligns with the government's goal of a tobacco-free Ireland and reducing youth and non-smokers' access to vapes. The law complements previous legislation banning sales to under-18s.
January 06, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
Teenagers whose parents are not against cannabis use four times more likely to take drug, study finds
Irish research shows adolescents are more likely to use cannabis if they perceive parental ambivalence. The study of 4,400 15-16-year-olds identified other risk factors like peer influence, lack of parental supervision, and low perception of harm. Parental attitudes significantly impact adolescent behavior, with parental involvement key in prevention initiatives. Friends' influence was found to be even stronger. The research stressed the urgent need for tailored public health messaging to counter societal acceptance and misconceptions about cannabis. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of parental education and increased awareness of cannabis-related risks among teenagers and parents.
October 23, 2024 by filtermag.org
Irish Government Uses EU Urgency Procedure to “Ram Through” Vape Tax
Ireland's government rushed through a heavy tax on vape e-liquids without proper consultation, risking discouraging smokers from switching to vapes. The tax, at €0.50 per milliliter, applies regardless of nicotine content and becomes effective in 2025. Concerns were raised over the lack of opportunity for scrutiny due to an expedited procedure, marking a departure from usual protocol. Critics argue the move unfairly burdens those trying to quit smoking, raising prices significantly and potentially driving consumers towards the black market. The tax plan also contrasts with public feedback against heavy vaping taxes and flavor restrictions. Advocates stress the risk of increased cigarette consumption and negative societal impacts.