Ireland is moving towards the endgame in the war against tobacco.
That is according the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly who is introducing new laws on smoking to the Dáil today.
The Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill will be introduced in the Dáil today which would raise the legal age limit for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The three year hike would lead to a 12% reduction in overall smoking rates according to Minister Donnelly, who has built that estimate from international comparisons.
He has described the move as 'moving to endgame' in the war on tobacco.
"This legislation, which includes provisions for strong penalties, clearly signals that we are moving to endgame in our war on combustible tobacco," he said.
"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".
If passed this autumn as expected the laws would come into place in February 2028 - with the delay meaning it will not impact people who are already over 18 but under 21-years-old.
The Bill would also extend current penalties for anyone convicted of selling tobacco products to people under the age of 18 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.
Additional reporting: Jack Quann
