Government looking to ban single-use vapes

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, on behalf of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has commenced the passage of the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 through the Oireachtas.

The legislation provides for a prohibition on the sale of single-use vapes. This measure represents the latest in a series of actions aimed at reducing smoking and vaping prevalence and preventing  children and young people from starting to use nicotine. This is a key priority for Fianna Fáil in Government.

Single-use vapes have emerged rapidly on the Irish market in recent years, while vaping rates among children have increased. Their pricing, ease of use and attractive design mean they are particularly appealing to young people.

There are also significant environmental harms from these products, as their single-use function generates unnecessary waste and environmental damage, the government said.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said “this legislation is about prevention. By banning single-use vapes, we are taking further action to protect young people from nicotine addiction and to prevent a new generation from becoming dependent on these products. I look forward to working with Minister Carroll MacNeill to progressing this Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas.”

This is the first piece of legislation in relation to vapes that Minister Murnane O’Connor is working on. In 2026 further legislation to regulate the colours and flavours of vapes available, as well as regulation of newer products such as nicotine pouches, will be introduced by Government.