The Irish Heart Foundation has welcomed the Dáil passing of legislation to ban vaping products being sold to under 18’s, but the charity has also called for more to be done to protect our children from nicotine addiction through vaping.

Commenting on the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, Mr Chris Macey, Head of Advocacy at the Irish Heart Foundation said, “This is a crucial measure and we look forward to its implementation and strict enforcement. But the fact remains we are one of the last countries in Europe to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to children and we are way behind other countries in protecting children from nicotine addiction through vaping.

““What we need now is a much more realistic regulatory approach, including urgent new legislation to ban child friendly flavours, disposable vapes, all advertising of e-cigarettes and the introduction of plain packaging.”

The Minister for Health, Minister Stephen Donnelly said, “I am delighted that this Bill has passed all stages in the Dáil. The Bill will ensure that our children cannot legally buy nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes and I look forward to introducing this measure as soon as possible.”

The Bill will now proceed to the Seanad.