Stephen Donnelly, the Minister of Health, is submitting a document with the final, historic legislation for Cabinet approval.

In his words, Ireland had “done well on reducing the smoking rates over many years.” Mr. Donnelly stated this. He did, however, note that although the smoking rate has decreased, it has stabilised in recent years.

Speaking before the Cabinet meeting, Mr. Donnelly expressed his “special concern about children and teenagers who are smokers.”

It is anticipated that the Oireachtas will consider the Public Health Tobacco Amendment Bill 2024 prior to the summer break.

Although the rate of smoking has decreased, it has stabilised recently, with 18% of individuals still smoking.

It is anticipated that increasing the minimum legal age at which tobacco products may be sold would result in a notable decline in the prevalence of smoking.

Research indicates that there is a greater chance of smoking throughout the years 18 to 21.

Since children and young people under the age of 18 are less likely to be in social groups with persons who may lawfully acquire cigarettes, the government believes that this increase will limit the social sources of cigarettes for these individuals.

The measure is intended to have no effect on those who are now legally permitted to purchase tobacco products and who are between the ages of 18 and 21.

This cohort will be exempt from the ban on the retail sale of tobacco products during a “wash through” period.

The minimum legal age at which vapes and other nicotine-inhaling products can be sold would be unaffected by the proposed legislation.

Vape sales to minors under the age of eighteen are prohibited as of December. As of right now, there is no plan to raise this prohibition to 21 years old.