News Now Government urged to ban vapes

Mark Murphy, Advocacy Manager of Environmental Health and Tobacco for the Irish Heart Foundation, said that only a comprehensive ban on all forms of disposable e-cigarettes would deter youth vaping, and help prevent another generation of young people from becoming nicotine addicts.

Ireland's national stroke and heart charity is urging the Government to introduce a complete ban on all disposable vapes without delay.

The call from the Irish Heart Foundation comes as the Minister of State for Public Procurement, eGovernment and the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, announced plans to launch a public consultation on disposable e-cigarettes.

Responding to this announcement, Mark Murphy, Advocacy Manager of Environmental Health and Tobacco for the Irish Heart Foundation, said that only a comprehensive ban on all forms of disposable e-cigarettes would deter youth vaping, and help prevent another generation of young people from becoming nicotine addicts.

‘The arrival of disposable vapes on the Irish market has resulted in an explosion in youth use, meaning it is more than likely that the official rate of teenage e-cigarette current use will have increased from the 2019 figure of 18.1%,” said Murphy.

‘E-cigarettes are not harm-free and negatively impact adolescent brain development, and these devices’ disposable nature means there is an enormous environmental cost.

‘The combination of appealing fruity flavours, an affordable price, bright colourful packaging, and insidious online marketing targeting young people, makes disposable vapes highly attractive for children and teenagers. '

‘There is simply no place for disposable vapes in Ireland. They are fuelling teenage vaping while damaging our planet at a time when we are in a climate emergency.'