Flavoured vapes ban 'most likely measure to make them less attractive to young people'

Oireachtas health committee hears of measures to curb the sharp rise in tobacco consumption among younger people

Minister of state Jennifer Murnane O'Connor told the health committee the measures in the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 include a ban on nicotine pouches. Picture: iStock

Banning flavoured vapes is the measure “most likely” to make them less attractive to young people, minister of state Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has told the Oireachtas health committee.

New laws will see a ban on flavoured vapes and limits on the colours used in packaging among a raft of measures to try to curb the sharp rise in consumption among younger people. 

Tobacco-flavour or ‘unflavoured’ will be the only types allowed, under the government-supported measures. 

Under the new laws, the sale of nicotine pouches and other products will be banned to under-18s. 

It will also bring in a ban on descriptive language about flavours and ensure that only basic names are used for all nicotine-inhaling projects.

The Oireachtas Health Committee heard discussion today, Wednesday, at the committee stage of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026. 

“I think it is clear we all share common concerns about the health impacts of nicotine-inhaling products, or vapes, as well as other products like the pouches, particularly among our young children," Ms Murnane O'Connor said. 

“I hear it myself from parents and teachers constantly. 

"It is important that we intervene. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and evidence shows that young people who vape are more likely to take up smoking.” 

Ms Murnane O'Connor added: “I understand that the measures we are bringing in this bill will have impacts on some businesses but we are working here to protect the health of our children and all our people, so that means our decisions are evidence-based and they are health-led.” 

'Designed primarily to hook children'

Sinn Féin TD Sorcha Clarke said she supports the removal of products “designed primarily to hook children onto what is an addictive substance — nicotine”.

She said that nicotine pouches have “operated in a grey area” under the law and described single-use vapes — which are being banned — as “environmentally destructive”.

However, she questioned the flavour ban, saying this “lacks balance”, among other concerns.

In response, Ms Murnane O’Connor said flavours are being banned because this “is most likely to reduce their appeal to young people.” 

She said that evidence shows that "dual use of vaping and cigarettes" is no longer associated with an intention to quit smoking, and that one in six adults who vape have never smoked.

There is no evidence that e-cigarettes flavours increase the likelihood of quitting tobacco. 

The World Health Organization already recommends that countries ban all flavours except tobacco-flavoured.

The Irish law will also limit the use of colours or imagery on nicotine-inhaling devices and will ban the sale of vapes or other devices which look like toys or games.

It will see a ban on advertising for nicotine products in all shops or retail outlets. 

Response from vape retailers

Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), which represents 3,300 independent vape retailers, previously raised concerns around the legislation and questioned the proposed flavour restrictions.

“RVI fully supports targeted measures to prevent children from accessing nicotine products,” a spokesman said.

“But banning most flavoured vapes ignores the evidence that flavours play a vital role in helping adults quit smoking. 

"Restricting these options risks driving ex-smokers back to cigarettes and undermining public health.”

• Niamh Griffin, Health Correspondent