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
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.
November 24, 2025 by talkingretail.com
UK not in favour of Ireland-style nicotine pouch restrictions, poll shows
A UK survey revealed over 44% support regulating, not banning, nicotine pouches. 30% suggest stop-smoking services recommend pouches alongside vapes. Majority back limits on pouch strength, similar to vape regulations. Poll showed dissatisfaction with government regulation efforts. Recent Irish restrictions contrast UK sentiment, worrying about impacts on smokers' cessation. Advocates favor harm reduction over bans, citing successful models in Sweden and UAE. They criticize Ireland's approach as potentially pushing smokers back to cigarettes. Prohibition in Ireland contrasts looser rules in Northern Ireland. We Vape founder warns of consequences from restrictive policies.
November 20, 2025 by bbc.com
Vaping: Irish government approves plans to ban disposable vapes
The Irish government approved banning disposable vapes and imposing restrictions on nicotine products to protect children. The move follows Northern Ireland's ban on single-use vapes. Retailers face fines and jail time for selling single-use e-cigarettes. Legislation will also regulate the sale of other nicotine products and restrict advertising, with new laws under consideration. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill supports the measures to safeguard youth from nicotine harm.
November 04, 2025 by independent.ie
Tax hike that will more than double price of vapes will hit smokers trying to quit, warns GP
Tax hikes in Ireland, doubling vape prices, concern addicts quitting cigarettes and impact smokers. The Department of Health targets youth vaping but faces backlash. Irish Heart Foundation supports tax due to rising youth vaping rates. Vape shop owners fear black market growth and loss of adult customers. UK plans similar vape tax next year. Responsible Vaping Ireland backs the tax for public health. Enforcement and restrictions on flavors and sales are proposed. Vape shops foresee challenges in compliance and business sustainability amid rising prices.
October 31, 2025 by rte.ie
New vape tax announced in budget to take effect
A new tax on e-liquid for vape products, set at 50c per milliliter, goes into effect tomorrow, excluding VAT. This will increase prices significantly, particularly for refills. Aimed at curbing youth vaping, the tax affects both nicotine and non-nicotine products. Though welcomed by health groups, concerns are raised about potential side effects, including a black market. The industry feels the tax is disproportionate and favors disposable vapes. Measures to accompany the tax include a future ban on disposables and stricter marketing rules. The UK plans a similar tax but at a lower rate and later start date. Rebels among vape vendors foresee challenges in enforcement.
October 31, 2025 by thejournal.ie
Cost of vaping to rise tomorrow as new tax on e-liquid kicks in
Starting tomorrow, a new tax of 50c per ml on e-liquid products in Ireland will increase vaping costs. The tax includes both nicotine and non-nicotine e-liquids, affecting prices significantly. To protect public health, the Minister for Finance stated the tax aims to curb youth consumption. Legislation is being drafted to ban single-use vapes and regulate flavors and packaging. A recent Lancet study shows a rise in nicotine use, especially among young people, linking it to vape availability since 2019. The tax reflects Ireland's dedication to public health amidst concerns over the increasing popularity of vapes among the youth.