The Department of Health yesterday published the general scheme of the proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, which will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes.

Vape advertising will be banned under the bill except in dedicated vape shops, while new packaging restrictions will regulate colours and imagery as well as banning devices “resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games”.

Only tobacco-flavoured vapes will initially be allowed under the bill, though provision will be included for the amendment of the list of allowed flavours as new evidence emerges.

Flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names will be banned outright.

Significantly, the bill will provide for a prohibition on the import, manufacture and sale of single-use or disposable vapes.

Health minister Stephen Donnelly said: “As a government we introduced a ban on the sale of nicotine inhaling products to under-18s. However we must go further and this legislation will tackle the rise in the use of ’vapes’ among children and young people by reducing their attractiveness and availability.

“Nicotine is addictive and the long-term effects of these products is not yet known, so it is important to act.

“I know that some adult smokers use nicotine inhaling products to quit smoking so these products, other than disposable vapes, will continue to remain available.

“The measures I am taking are to reduce use among the youth, so that our children can grow up without the risks associated with these products.”

Minister of state Colm Burke added: “As Minister with responsibility for public health and wellbeing, I welcome the introduction of this important measure.

“Our young people are exposed to nicotine inhaling products in retail environments with bright and colourful packaging and a variety of flavours. Single-use vapes also cause an environmental damage.

“I believe that these measures will contribute to the better health and wellbeing of our youth, and I look forward to working with Minister Donnelly on the development of this legislation.”

Ossian Smyth, the environmental minister of state with responsibility for circular economy, added: “I am very pleased to see that this bill has received government approval. It will achieve the dual policy objectives of health protection and environmental protection.

“Single-use vapes are a challenge in the context of waste management and are a wasteful use of critical raw materials. They are also very damaging to the environment when discarded as litter.

“I have been working with minister Donnelly for some time with a view to ensuring that the aims of both our departments are achieved and I am very supportive of this legislative proposal.”