DUBLIN, Ireland – The Irish government has approved sweeping new measures to ban the sale of disposable vapes and restrict access to other nicotine products, marking one of the country’s strongest efforts yet to curb youth addiction.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on Tuesday received cabinet approval to publish the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which will make it illegal for retailers to sell single-use e-cigarettes anywhere in the Republic of Ireland.
The decision aligns the country with Northern Ireland, where a ban on disposable vapes came into effect in April 2025.
Northern Ireland’s law imposes stiff penalties on violators, including fines of up to £5,000 and prison sentences of up to two years for stocking or supplying single-use devices. Irish officials say similar strict enforcement measures are expected as part of the new legislation.
Disposable vapes—small, pre-charged, pre-filled devices activated by inhaling—have surged in popularity among teenagers due to their convenience, flavours, and low cost.
But they are designed for short-term use and are discarded after the battery dies, contributing to environmental waste and growing concerns about early nicotine dependence.
The Irish government also announced plans to introduce new restrictions on other nicotine products, including banning the sale of nicotine pouches to anyone under 18.
Advertising will be prohibited in all retail outlets, and mixed retailers such as supermarkets will no longer be allowed to openly display nicotine-inhaling products.
These measures will be included in the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill, which aims to regulate packaging, flavours, presentation, and shelf placement of nicotine products.
Officials say the framework is intentionally forward-looking, designed to apply to both current and emerging nicotine technologies.
“My priority is the protection of our children,” Health Minister Carroll MacNeill said. “The measures approved today will reduce the attractiveness and availability of current and future nicotine-containing products for our young people. Taken together, these laws form a suite of measures to shield our children from the promotion and sale of these products.”
Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said the changes represent “a big step forward” in addressing rising nicotine use among young people.
“This is an ever-changing environment, and it is vital that we are ahead of the market when it comes to protecting our young people and safeguarding the health of future generations,” she said.
Both ministers pledged rapid implementation of the new rules, saying the government is determined to move quickly to protect minors from nicotine exposure and prevent long-term addiction trends.
The legislation will now move to the next stage of the parliamentary process, where it is expected to receive broad support.
