Fewer people drinking alcohol but more smoking e-cigarettes, according to latest snapshot of nation’s health

Fewer people in Ireland are drinking since before the pandemic but smoking rates have not fallen and more are using e-cigarettes, according to a new national survey. The survey found that the prevalence of smoking is stable, the same as reported in 2021 - 2022 with 18pc of people as current smokers, 14pc smoking and 4pc occasionally. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is now to launch a public consultation on a proposal to increase the legal limit to buy cigarettes from 18 to 21.