Irish Cabinet to Consider Bill Banning Sale of Single-Use Vapes

Key Points

• Core Proposal: Ban on single-use vapes, taking effect six months after enactment.
• Regulatory Expansion: Inclusion of nicotine pouches under revised public health legislation.
• Background: The Irish Cancer Society has criticised government inaction on regulating new nicotine products.
• Minister’s Comment: MacNeill acknowledged the “challenge” of legislation keeping pace with new products.
• Other Cabinet Items: Gender equality strategy and Shared Island Initiative funding.

2Firsts — November 18, 2025 — According to The Journal，the Irish Cabinet will today consider a proposal to ban the sale of single-use or disposable vapes, according to The Journal. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will seek government approval to publish the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025.

If passed, the bill would prohibit the retail sale of single-use vapes six months after enactment.

Initially promoted as a safer alternative for adult smokers, e-cigarettes — or “vapes” — have surged in popularity, particularly among youth.

MacNeill will also propose adding new provisions on nicotine pouches to the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill. Nicotine pouches, small sachets placed between the lip and gum, are not currently covered by tobacco or vaping regulations.

In August, the Irish Cancer Society criticised the government for being slow to regulate emerging nicotine products. MacNeill acknowledged that legislation has struggled to keep pace with rapid product innovation, saying there is “a challenge” between existing laws and new nicotine devices.

The Minister will also recommend establishing a statutory inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida, following the death of nine-year-old Harvey Sherratt, whose parents had long campaigned for accountability over delays in his treatment.

Other Cabinet business today includes the launch of a five-year National Strategy for Women and Girls, led by Minister for Equality Norma Foley TD, and the Shared Island Initiative, under which €56 million will fund cross-border projects in transport, environment, arts, and emergency response.

Image source: The Journal