Ireland to raise minimum age for buying cigarettes and tobacco to 21

If Ireland's new public health bill passes this autumn, it will come into operation on February 1, 2028. The lead-in time means those now entitled to buy tobacco products — aged between 18 and 21 — will not be affected. iStock

Legislation to raise the smoking age to 21 will come before the Dáil on Thursday.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will commence the passage of the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment Bill 2024 through the Oireachtas at second stage in Dáil Éireann on Thursday afternoon. The bill will increase the minimum age of purchase of tobacco products to 21, which will make Ireland the first country in Europe to do so.