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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October 10, 2024 by filtermag.org
“Moral Panic”—Irish Government Plans Sweeping Anti-Vape Legislation
Ireland's Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, received approval to restrict nicotine vapes despite public consultation results. The legislation aims to reduce youth vaping by banning sales to under-18s, limiting flavors and displays, and imposing a new vape tax. Critics fear the restrictions will hinder smoking cessation efforts and harm reduction. Advocates highlight the positive impact of vapes on quitting smoking. Donnelly ignored concerns around removing popular products and flavors, risking a return to smoking. The move has sparked debate on balancing youth protection and harm reduction for adult smokers. McGovern warns against harms of prohibition based on the Australian experience.
October 10, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
Ireland’s new vape tax puts smokers’ lives at risk, warns global health group
Ireland's new tax of 50 cents per milliliter on vaping products is concerning health experts who advocate for harm reduction. The high levy surpasses the EU average and could deter smokers from switching to safer alternatives like vaping, unlike Sweden's successful approach. Sweden has significantly reduced smoking rates by promoting alternatives like snus and vapes. Irish public opinion is against the tax increase, with fears it may lead consumers to buy products from abroad. The tax, expected to be €2.50 per 10ml in Ireland, accompanies a ban on disposable vapes and flavors. This decision contrasts with Sweden's progress towards becoming smoke-free.
October 07, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
‘Ireland’s Vape Tax Puts Smokers’ Lives at Risk’
Ireland's new high tax on e-cigarettes, far above the EU average, has been criticized by health experts for hindering the fight against tobacco. In contrast, Sweden's low-tax approach to safer alternatives like vaping has led to significant reductions in smoking rates and related deaths. Critics argue that Ireland's tax increase may prevent smokers from switching to less harmful options, potentially increasing tobacco-related deaths. Recent public opinion in Ireland shows little support for high vaping taxes. Following Sweden's harm reduction model is suggested as a more effective strategy to decrease smoking rates and save lives in Ireland.
October 02, 2024 by newstalk.com
New vaping levy condemned as a tax on 'quitting cigarettes'
The Government introduced a 50-cent tax on e-cigarettes to be implemented next year, alongside a €1 increase in cigarette prices. Vapers criticized the levy, fearing it would hinder quitting efforts and drive users to unregulated sources. Smokers expressed frustration over the price hike. The Irish Heart Foundation supported the measures as important for deterring youth from harmful habits. The tax on e-cigarettes aims to combat the increase in youth vaping, seen as a gateway to smoking. Despite concerns about nicotine addiction, the tax is not set to take effect until mid-2025.
September 24, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
Ireland imposes new €2,000 fine for selling vapes at children’s events
New legislation in Ireland imposes a €2,000 fine for selling vapes at events targeting children to reduce youth vaping. Minister Donnelly aims to combat vaping among youth while keeping vapes accessible for adult smokers to quit. Proposed laws regulate vaping products, but critics fear they could boost smoking rates. Donnelly plans to introduce further tobacco control laws, including setting 21 as the minimum age for purchasing tobacco. However, concerns exist over potential black market growth due to stringent vape restrictions, akin to what happened in Australia post-ban.
September 10, 2024 by irishtimes.com
Disposable vapes to be banned and colours, flavours restricted under Cabinet plan
The sale of disposable vapes could be banned in the State, along with restrictions on flavors and advertising to prevent appeal to children. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly plans to introduce laws targeting environmental and public health concerns. Concerns include littering, toxic compounds, high nicotine levels, and insufficient cessation support. Regulations on flavors and sales to minors are already in place. Future plans involve increasing the number of GPs and managing sovereign wealth funds. Cabinet discussions include housing developments, North-South Ministerial Council updates, and Middle East affairs.
September 10, 2024 by rte.ie
The breathtaking waste of batteries in disposable vapes
Disposable vapes with lithium batteries are leading to significant environmental damage. In the UK, around five million vapes are discarded weekly, with only 17% recycled. The use of lithium batteries in disposable vapes is wasteful and poses dangers in disposal. The ban on disposable vapes in Ireland by 2024 reflects growing concerns. These vapes use lithium batteries for high power density but are challenging to recycle. Improper disposal can lead to fires and toxic emissions. Reconsidering the use of single-use electronics is crucial to lessen the environmental impact and address the waste issue.
September 10, 2024 by dublinlive.ie
Sale of disposable vapes in Ireland set to be banned
Cabinet is expected to approve plans to ban disposable and flavored vapes in Ireland. Health Minister Donnelly aims to implement the ban promptly due to environmental and public health concerns. The legislation will prohibit single-use vapes and restrict flavored nicotine products to prevent appeal to children. Additionally, Donnelly will update on increasing GPs, and other ministers will address small business impacts, investment strategies, and international developments.
September 10, 2024 by breakingnews.ie
Disposable vapes set to be banned in Ireland under new law
Ireland plans to ban disposable vapes sales with restrictions on colors and imagery to prevent targeting youth. Concerns over environmental impact and nicotine levels have prompted the new measures. The ban will build on existing regulations prohibiting sales to those under 18 and aims to address the issue of vapes potentially leading to smoking. The Minister of State for Public Health emphasized the need for changes in selling nicotine products and indicated upcoming rules on flavored vapes. Ireland joins other European countries in responding to the growing use of such products, reminiscent of past actions like the smoking ban.
September 10, 2024 by todayfm.com
Plans To Ban Sale Of Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes sale ban and flavored nicotine prohibition are planned to deter youth vaping. Health Minister Donnelly aims for less appeal to youngsters through legislation including flavor bans. Oireachtas approval is needed for these laws. Previously, prohibiting cape sales to under 18s was enforced.