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
August 08, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
Ireland’s Crackdown on Vape Sales to Minors Sees Few Consequences
Nearly 15% of retailers across Ireland have been caught violating laws banning the sale of vapes to children, with only a fraction facing legal consequences, according to new figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE). Enacted in December 2023, the law makes it illegal to sell nicotine-inhaling products to those under 18 years old.
August 08, 2025 by taxfoundation.org
Are Tobacco Taxes Still a Reliable Source of Revenue?
Tobacco taxes have been a cash cow for governments around the world. World Health Organization (WHO) data suggest that combined annual global taxes on cigarettes are approaching $1 trillion. In many countries, however, cigarette tax collections shrink each year because fewer people smoke. This tremendous win for public health should be a cause for celebration. But for governments that have become (...)
August 01, 2025 by irishtimes.com
Tobacco Lobby Keen for Government to Regulate New Golden Goose
The tobacco industry is continuing its streak of pushing the Government to increase regulation and taxation on its new golden goose: smoking-alternative products. British American Tobacco (Bat) is warning the Government that the State’s illicit vape trade will thrive unless the excise tax on vapes is urgently rolled out alongside “strong enforcement measures”.
July 15, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
HSE cannot support vaping and nicotine pouch addiction through quit smoking programmes
The HSE lacks funding for vaping and nicotine pouch addiction support in quit smoking programs, despite increased demand. A proposal for a cessation service awaits government approval, needing additional resources. Currently, services cater to those quitting tobacco or dual users. Concerns arise as vaping and nicotine pouch use surges among non-tobacco smokers. Regulation gaps and increased uptake of pouches prompt calls for expanded legislation. Efforts by the Minister of State for Public Health focus on youth addiction awareness and regulatory changes, like banning disposable vapes and limiting flavors. Cooperation with the Health Minister is essential to develop comprehensive strategies for vaping and pouch cessation within the overall health plan.
July 03, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
HSE issues vapes alert on six e-cigarettes falsely labelled as nicotine-free
The HSE warns against using six mislabeled vapes containing high levels of nicotine. Customers can return them to the store where purchased. Identified products are listed, with nicotine levels up to 30 mg/ml. Retailers are urged to ensure compliance to prevent risks and legal consequences. Irish regulations prohibit vape sales to under-18s and propose further restrictions on vape products, including color and flavor limits. Concerns persist about vaping's impact on smoking rates, prompting ongoing policy reviews. The Public Health Bill aims to curb youth vaping. Legislation was passed to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Tobacco Free Ireland policy is being reviewed to achieve a tobacco-free country.
July 03, 2025 by irishtimes.com
Public warned to avoid e-cigarettes from two brands after EU health alert
The HSE's NEHS warns the public to avoid e-cigarettes from two brands falsely labeled as nicotine-free. Tests revealed nicotine levels up to 30 mg/ml. Brands include McKesse MK Bar 700 and Bank Box 18000 Puffs in various flavors. Consumers can return them to the store and retailers are asked to halt sales. The HSE will take legal actions to protect public health, including product seizure and prosecutions. Retailers must verify products and suppliers. A recall notice is mandatory for sellers.
June 23, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com
Bloomberg’s War on Harm Reduction Faces Consumer Backlash at Tobacco Conference
The World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin features the launch of the campaign "Voices Unheard – Consumers Matter!" by the World Vapers’ Alliance, advocating for consumer inclusion in tobacco control debates. Consumers demand a seat at the table to share their experiences and the benefits of reduced-risk products. The campaign responds to the WHO's proposed ban on flavored nicotine products, highlighting the need for evidence-based harm reduction policies. Consumers deserve a voice in decision-making processes to ensure policies prioritize public health effectively. The campaign aims to challenge the exclusion of consumer perspectives and push for genuine inclusion in global tobacco control discussions.
June 23, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com
Bloomberg’s War on Harm Reduction Faces Consumer Backlash at Tobacco Conference
The World Vapers’ Alliance launches “Voices Unheard – Consumers Matter!” at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, highlighting the absence of consumer perspectives in global tobacco discussions. Advocating for inclusion in decision-making, the campaign opposes bans on safer nicotine products. As the WHO calls for restrictions, the campaign stresses the importance of evidence-based harm reduction policies. Ahead of COP11 in Geneva, it urges policymakers to listen to consumers impacted by tobacco regulations. The initiative aims to amplify voices silenced by policy decisions, emphasizing the need for genuine inclusion and recognition of the benefits of harm reduction methods for smoking cessation.
June 16, 2025 by irishtimes.com
Tobacco companies want tighter age rules on sale of nicotine pouches
Vaping and tobacco companies in Ireland called for regulations on nicotine pouches and e-vapour products due to concerns about appealing to young people. Japan Tobacco International and British American Tobacco urged for age restrictions and health warnings on packaging. The companies emphasized the need to prevent underage sales and reduce nicotine concentrations. Meanwhile, a vaping retailer criticized proposed strict regulations on vaping products and suggested alternative measures, including better enforcement and a deposit scheme for disposable devices. The companies' concerns were acknowledged by the Minister for Health.
June 12, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
Freely available nicotine replacement therapy raises rate of people who quit smoking
Research in Ireland shows higher smoking cessation rates after the introduction of free nicotine replacement therapy. The study found that access to free NRT led to 41% of smokers quitting after four weeks, compared to 29% when it was not free. The findings suggest the benefits of providing free NRT to smokers. The study also noted an increase in NRT uptake and identified groups, such as women and long-term smokers, benefitting from the free therapy. The results highlight the importance of universal NRT access in promoting successful smoking cessation and call for equitable access on an international scale to combat smoking-related deaths.