Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1680. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will consider banning smoking/vaping in cars in line with many EU states considering the negative health impacts it has on additional passengers and the impact holding a vape/cigarette has on the driver’s ability to control the steering wheel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1336/24]
View answerThe smoking of a tobacco product in cars where children are present is prohibited under the Protection of Children's Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Act 2014.
With regards to nicotine inhaling products, the evidence base is still being developed in relation to the aerosol generated from e-cigarettes and its second-hand harm to non users. My Department will continue to monitor the emerging research in this area.
My Department recently completed a public consultation to help inform future regulation of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products. Views were sought on the following areas:
• The display of nicotine inhaling products in shops
• Nicotine inhaling product flavours
• The appearance of nicotine inhaling products and their packaging
• Proxy sales of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products
• Smoking in outdoor dining areas
• Extending smoke free restrictions to vaping
• Increasing the age of sale for tobacco products
• Taxation of vaping liquids
In the context of all of these considerations, options for the development of further and comprehensive legislation on nicotine inhaling products will be examined.
