The Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment Bill 2024, which will be presented at second stage in Dáil Éireann this afternoon, is the latest in a series of measures designed to decrease the rate of smoking and to deter young people from taking it up.

Subject to its successful passage through all stages of the Oireachtas in the autumn, the Act will come into operation on 1 February 2028.

This provides a lead-in time so that those already entitled to be sold tobacco products, i.e. those over 18 but under 21, will not be affected.

The bill provides that current penalties for anyone convicted of selling tobacco products to people under the age of 18 will be extended to cover convictions relating to sales to people under the age of 21, including fines of up to €4,000 or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for a first offence.

The minimum age of sale of vape products will not be affected and will remain at 18.

Health minister Stephen Donnelly said: “I am delighted to introduce this bill today and to deliver on my commitment for enactment as early as possible in order to protect the health of our population.

“This legislation, which includes provisions for strong penalties, clearly signals that we are moving to endgame in our war on combustible tobacco. These products are addictive and lethal, killing two out of every three users, reducing life expectancy by an average of 10 years and causing an enormous range of preventable illness and disability.

“Ireland has long been a world leader in tackling smoking, beginning with the workplace smoking ban in 2004 and continuing with a range of measures including restrictions around the sale, advertising and packaging of smoking products to make them less attractive and less available to young people.

“We know from evidence internationally that raising the minimum age of sale of tobacco products to 21 is likely to deter teenagers from initiating smoking, and is likely to lead to a 12% absolute reduction in smoking prevalence. To protect our young people, we continue to push forward towards our goal of a tobacco-free Ireland.”

Colm Burke, minister for public health, wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy, said: “Previous initiatives have had a strong and lasting impact on public health by reducing smoking rates, but we cannot be complacent.

“Raising the minimum age of sale of tobacco products to 21 means young people are less likely to be in social groups with those who can legally purchase cigarettes. It will also make youth smoking even less acceptable and will discourage adults from purchasing on behalf of children.

“This is a vital measure that will help generations of young people to avoid the extensive harms associated with tobacco products, reducing the burden on our health service and supporting improved population health. I look forward to working with minister Donnelly to progress this vital bill through the Oireachtas.”