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 27, 2025 by rte.ie
Why a tax-hike on e-cigarettes is prompting vapers to bulk buy
Interview with Mark Murphy (Senior Policy Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation) and Dr Garrett McGovern (Medical Director and Addiction Specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic) on RTÉ Radio — discussing the recent major tax hike on e-cigarettes in Ireland and its public health implications.
October 23, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
Richard Hogan: Vaping is not a healthy alternative to smoking — full stop
The text highlights the deceptive marketing tactics of vaping companies, particularly targeting children with appealing flavors. Vaping is shown to be harmful, with high nicotine levels and toxic chemicals inhaled, leading to addiction and health issues. Parents are urged to recognize the dangers and take action, while the government is called upon to implement stricter regulations on marketing, flavors, and misinformation about vaping. It is emphasized that prevention programs in schools are crucial to educate teenagers on the risks of vaping. Urgent measures are needed to address the increasing trend of teenage vaping and promote healthier socialization alternatives.
October 21, 2025 by filtermag.org
Ireland Is Failing at Smoking Cessation. Now It Will Tax Vapes Hard.
Ireland will implement a tax of €0.50 per milliliter on all vaping e-liquids, becoming the highest in the EU. The government aims to further restrict vape products and flavors, despite missing smoke-free targets. Advocates argue that high vape taxes hinder smoking cessation efforts, especially as vapes were aiding in reducing smoking rates. The tax is viewed as counterproductive, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and leading to a potential rise in smoking and black-market product use. While the government cites youth protection and reducing accessibility, critics believe it penalizes smokers trying to quit. The tax contradicts evidence showing affordable vape access aids in smoking cessation.
October 10, 2025 by bbc.com
Vape boss says allowing 'strict' ads would help smokers quit
BAT's UK and Ireland boss advocates for a "very strict" marketing framework to encourage smokers to switch to vapes. While the UK opposes further vape marketing, BAT sees advertising as essential for informing smokers about alternatives. The company's focus on closed vaping systems aims to reduce smoking rates. Despite concerns over vaping's long-term effects, it's considered less harmful than smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict advertising and underage sales to achieve a smoke-free generation. BAT opposes the bill's restrictions and argues for looser advertising rules and more penalties for underage sales. Ertonguc believes these measures will have a bigger impact on reducing smoking rates than the government's current legislation.
October 09, 2025 by vaping360.com
Ireland Launches Steep Vape Tax Next Month
Ireland will implement its long-planned e-liquid tax on Nov. 1. The E-liquid Products Tax (EPT) will be the first step in the government’s wider plan to neuter the vaping market, with a disposable vape ban and flavor restrictions coming soon.
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.