Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1264. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with the HSE and other relevant bodies to develop education and awareness campaigns on the dangers associated with e-cigarettes usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28251/23]
View answerCommunicating the harms of e-cigarettes requires a multifaceted approach depending on the cohort of the population. This is already being implemented in a number of ways:
• In May 2023, in coordination with the Department of Education, the HSE issued a letter to all school principals for sharing with parents, guardians and staff on the risk of vaping to the health of young people and children. The letter outlined the health harms associated with vaping and provided information on supports available to protect children from those harms which can be found here: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/tobaccocontrol/resources/e-cigarette-resources.html
• The HSE and the Department of Education have developed Junior Cycle Social and Personal Health Education modules on tobacco and e-cigarette use for Year 1 and Year 2 students.
• The HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme for 2022-2025 includes developing an awareness training programme for youth workers on nicotine addiction, prevention of e-cigarette initiation and initiation of smoking.
• The HSE website contains clear information on the current evidence on e-cigarettes, with links to support for nicotine dependence.
My Department will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders on this matter.
