Smoking in Ireland
18% of the population are current smokers, with 14% daily smokers and 4% occasional smokers. These figures are the same as those reported in 2021-2022. Smoking is higher amongst men (21%) than women (15%) and higher amongst those who are unemployed or have not completed the Leaving Certificate. 33% of the population are ex-smokers. 49% of those who have smoked in the past year have attempted to quit smoking, with 23% of this group successfully quitting smoking. 58% used willpower alone, 25% used e-cigarettes, and 19% used nicotine replacement therapy. 8% of the population currently use e-cigarettes either daily (5%) or occasionally (3%), with a further 12% reporting they have tried them in the past but no longer use them. In 2022, 6% were current users of e-cigarettes. A fifth (20%) of women aged 15-24 use e-cigarettes either daily or occasionally; the rate for men of the same age group is 16%. Source: Healthy Ireland Survey 2023. (2023, November 22). Department of Health. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/73c9d-healthy-ireland-survey-2023/#smoking For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Read articles from 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.
August 01, 2024 by independent.ie
Tax on vapes and e-cigarettes on the way as bank levy is likely to continue in the Budget
A tax on e-cigarettes and vapes is on the way in the Budget after sources confirmed preliminary work had been done by the Department of Finance. The move was signalled last year by Ireland’s new EU Commissioner Michael McGrath in his only budget as finance minister.
August 01, 2024 by irishexaminer.com
Tax on vapes and e-cigarettes to be introduced in October's budget
The Finance Minister confirmed plans to introduce a tax on vapes and e-cigarettes next year. The 9% Vat rate for the hospitality sector is unlikely to return. Changes to inheritance tax and income tax thresholds are expected in the upcoming budget. Measures to support pensioners and address the cost of living, including maintaining the 9% Vat rate on gas and electricity over winter, are priorities. Introducing a levy on vapes and potential tax increases on cigarettes are being considered. Overall, the budget aims to support public health, reduce smoking, and provide significant support for pensioners and vulnerable groups.
July 08, 2024 by ireland-live.ie
Government told ‘no time to waste’ reviving smoking ban legislation
Over 1,000 health experts urge the government to prioritize phasing out smoking by reintroducing legislation banning young individuals from smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, seen as crucial for public health, had broad support but was shelved due to a General Election. Advocates stress the importance of prioritizing this bill to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and combat youth vaping. Experts emphasize the urgent need to prevent marketing vapes to children while making them available for adult smokers. The UK has an opportunity to lead globally in eradicating smoking, and experts call on the government to seize this chance.
- Page 1 of 10