Health groups calling on Government to follow UK's tobacco and vape ban

Health groups in Ireland have been calling on the Irish Government to follow the United Kingdom and ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009.

​The UK passed the Tobacco and Vapes act into law last week, which means that anyone born after this date will never legally be able to purchase cigarettes.

​The Irish Heart Foundation and the ASH Council have called on the Government to follow suit, claiming that children in Northern Ireland will have greater forms of protection from tobacco than children in the Republic.

​Chair of ASH Ireland, Prof Emmet O’Brien said: “It is often forgotten that 4,500 people die each year in Ireland from smoking-related causes; that is nearly 100 people a week. This places a colossal burden on our healthcare system,” he said.

“As a doctor, I see every day the ruinous effects that smoking has on people’s lives and their families. Phasing out the scourge of tobacco harms would utterly change our society for the better.”

​Interim Director of Advocacy at the Irish Heart Foundation, Mark Murphy said: “What is unique about a bold policy like this is how hugely in favour people in Ireland are of it. The public have made up their mind, and they are sick of having tobacco in their lives.

​“There exists a life without tobacco. It is not a figment of imagination; it can be a reality. The UK has taken the first step towards it, and it is up to other countries to follow,” added Mr Murphy.

“With Ireland set to take on the Presidency of the EU on July 1, now is the perfect time for the Government to show leadership and begin laying the groundwork so we can create a tobacco-free generation for the island of Ireland.”

​According to a 2022 HSE report, 83% of the public are in favour of phasing out tobacco products, and a 2023 Ipsos B&A survey showed that 76% of the population favour a gradual ban on the sale and supply of tobacco.