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Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has signed into law a new measure introducing an on-the-spot fine of €2,000 for the offence of selling tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products at events aimed at children.
In March this year, Minister Donnelly began implementing several sections of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 to strengthen protections for children from exposure to tobacco and nicotine inhaling products. These measures officially came into effect today, 23 September 2024.
Among the newly enacted regulations is a prohibition on the sale or facilitation of the sale of tobacco or nicotine inhaling products at events primarily aimed at children or where the majority of attendees are children. The Minister has now set a fixed penalty of €2,000 for breaches of this provision.
These steps are part of a broader strategy by Minister Donnelly to introduce stricter regulation of nicotine inhaling products and reduce the use of tobacco in Ireland.
Last week, the Government approved the drafting of the Public Health (Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, which will introduce regulations for packaging, flavours, and retail display of vaping products and will include a ban on single-use or disposable vapes. Additionally, Minister Donnelly plans to advance his Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment Bill through the Dáil as early as possible in the new term. This legislation will make Ireland the first EU country to set a minimum legal age of 21 for the sale of tobacco products.
Minister Stephen Donnelly stated:
“I welcome the coming into operation of further provisions of our 2023 Act. I am developing new tobacco control law, bringing law through the Houses and implementing law that has already passed. The urgency is to save lives that are being lost because of a common commercial product that kills.
I am determined to help smokers to quit, to prevent new smokers being created through experimentation with tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products, and to use every means at my disposal to protect the health of our population and especially of our children.”
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke
added:
“As Minister with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing, I am working with Minister Donnelly on our multiple legislative measures to eliminate this blight on the health of our population. We have led the world on tobacco control in the past and we will continue to forge ahead until we have eliminated this addictive and lethal threat.”
These new measures signify Ireland’s ongoing commitment to robust tobacco control policies, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.