A public consultation has opened on the potential further regulation of vaping products in Ireland.
Legislation banning the sale of vaping products to those under the age of 18 is currently before the Oireachtas, and now the consultation has been set up to help look at further measures that could be introduced.
Subjects such as the display of products, flavours, the appearance of packaging, prices, and legislation on vaping indoors are set to be discussed.
The Government is also looking at increasing the minimum age to buy tobacco products in Ireland.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, and Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy Hildegrade Naughton launched the public consultation today.
Speaking on the subject, Mr Donnelly said that vaping products "clearly" appeal to young children, and said "we do not yet know the long-term health impacts of their use".
He said that although he understood their use by adults who are trying to quit smoking, the use of vaping products among young people has "deeply concerned" him.
"This consultation will help us make effective decisions to protect our children from an addictive product, while reducing the extreme harm caused by smoking."
Ms Naughton added: "We can clearly see how some vaping products might be targeted at children or younger people by virtue of their exotic flavouring and colourful packaging.
"This public consultation will help us as Ministers to develop legislation around packaging and flavouring of nicotine inhaling products.
"I would encourage as many people as possible to engage with the public consultation over the next four weeks. I very much look forward to hearing the views of the members of the public and stakeholders in the weeks ahead."
The consultation is open for submissions until 5 January 2024.
Submissions can be made on the Department of Health website.
