I propose to take Questions Nos. 377, 378 and 379 together.
I am developing legislation to further regulate tobacco and nicotine inhaling products. The public consultation for this purpose closed on January 5th 2024. The content of the proposed legislation will be guided by our consultation as well as by evidence reviews, legal advice and regulatory impact assessment to ensure that any regulation is achievable and effective. This process is being further informed by engagement with other EU Member States, Government Departments and the HSE.
The timeframe for publication of the General Scheme of the Bill and considerations regarding pre-legislative scrutiny will be determined by the final proposed legislative measures.
The draft legislation will require notification at EU level under the Technical Standards Directive (Directive 2015/1535). In the EU context, it is also expected that the Commission will publish a proposal for a revised Tobacco Products Directive this year. It is as yet unknown how the revised Directive might impact possible domestic measures and we will continue to engage with that process via the EU Expert Group on Tobacco Policy.