Single use vapes have been described as "worsening the world" amid plans for their ban by Minister for State Ossian Smyth.
The Minister stated that single use disposable vapes, a type of e-cigarette, could be banned under the Circular Economy Act or the single use plastic directive.
However, Smyth said that a ban would not come into effect before consultations with the general public and sellers took place. He told listeners on RTE’s Morning Ireland that vapes had now become the default option for smokers, as they are typically half the cost of cigarettes.
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He told RTE: “If you were at the Electric Picnic festival earlier this summer, you would’ve seen these brightly coloured tubes all over the ground. They’re everywhere and they are an innovation that has made the world a worse place.”
The Green Party politician also admitted that a complete ban would be unlikely as people would still attempt to purchase single use vapes online. However, he reassured listeners that it would “massively reduce” their purchase and ultimate benefit public health.
The Health Research Board previously found that young people who used vapes, or e-cigarettes, were between three to five times more likely to start using standard cigarettes. The long term health implications beyond 24 months are not researched but there is some evidence that e-cigarettes cause tissue and cell damage to the lungs.
The Minister told listeners that the public consultation process on the matter would take several months.
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