Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Question:619. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if electronic cigarettes will be banned from all educational campuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16362/14]
View answerTuesday, 8 April 2014
Questions (619)
Written answers
In order to harmonise regulation of e-cigarettes across EU Member States, the new Tobacco Products Directive, not as yet in force will, inter alia, provide for the regulation of e-cigarettes. The Tobacco Directive will:
- set mandatory safety and quality requirements e.g. on nicotine content, ingredients and devices, as well as refill mechanisms etc., for e-cigarettes,
- make health warnings and information leaflets obligatory,
- introduce notification requirements for manufacturers and importers of e-cigarettes,
- impose stricter rules on advertising and monitoring of market developments.
The Tobacco Products Directive does not cover rules on smoke free environments in relation to e-cigarettes. As e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco their use is not prohibited in workplaces as is the case with tobacco products under the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 to 2011. Agencies can, however, on a voluntary basis have policies in this regard.
In view of the lack of sufficient research and information regarding e-cigarettes, my Department will continue to monitor existing and emerging evidence on the potential harm and the potential benefits of e-cigarettes. However it is my intention to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to those under the age of 18 years.