MEPs have voted to change the EU Tobacco Directive - and make tobacco products less attractive to young people.

The legislation will require all packs to carry picture warnings covering 65 percent of their surface front and back.

Under the measures, E-cigarettes will be regulated, either as medicinal products if they claim to help smokers to quit, or as tobacco products.

The directive also contains a ban on Menthol cigarettes.

The Health Minister Dr James Reilly has welcomed the changes.