Electronic Cigarettes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017

Wednesday, 20 September 2017

Questions (438)

Micheál Martin

Question:

438. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation to on the use of e-cigarettes inside public venues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39423/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I have no plans to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in public places.

The introduction of the workplace smoking ban was based on clear and unequivocal evidence that second hand smoke is harmful to non-smokers. That evidence base does not exist for the aerosol generated from e-cigarettes. However, individual organisations/companies are free to introduce an e-cigarette free policy if they so choose.

My Department will continue to monitor the emerging research on these products, so as to inform decisions around any future additional regulation in this area.