Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2021
307. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated amount of revenue that would be raised annually if an annual €500 tobacco retailer licence fee per retail outlet was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17696/21]
View answer308. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if retail outlets in Ireland are required to register with a State body if they seek to sell electronic cigarettes; if so, the number of outlets in Ireland that are licensed to sell electronic cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17698/21]
View answer309. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated amount of revenue that would be raised annually if an annual €50 electronic cigarette retailer licence fee per retail outlet was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17699/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 307 to 309, inclusive, together.
The current General Scheme for a Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill provides for the introduction of a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products (including electronic cigarettes). Under the proposed system, an annual licence will be required for each outlet where tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products are sold. The proposed annual fee is yet to be determined.
Currently there is a registration requirement for retail outlets that sell tobacco products. Retailers must register on a once-off basis and require only a single registration irrespective of the number of retail outlets. There is no registration requirement for the retail sale of nicotine inhaling products.
It is not possible to estimate the number of retail outlets that would opt to sell or continue to sell tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products on the introduction of a requirement for an annual licence and fee.
