The public can now have their say from today on the regulation of vapes. 

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has brought legislation before the Oireachtas that will ban under-18s from buying e-cigarettes.

Speaking to Newstalk, Minister of State Hildeguarde Naughton said the Department of Health wants to know if the public favour further restrictions as well.

“I have given a commitment to further legislation in this area,” she said.

“That’s why we’re launching this consultation today, it runs until January 5th to get people’s views about what other measures we need to introduce in order to decrease the appeal of nicotine and inhaling products.”

A person using a vaping device with flavoured liquid in February 2018. Picture by: eldar nurkovic / Alamy Stock Photo

The HSE states vapes are potentially “less harmful” than tobacco but notes there is no long-term research on the habit and, “We do not know the long-term health impact of vaping.”

The health service also warns that vapes may change how a user’s vital organs function, increasing the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer.

Main image: Stock photo of men vaping. Picture by: Nick Ansell/PA Wire