Time to say goodbye to your vapes

Donnelly has called for a ban on disposable colourful and flavoured vapes.

Donnelly said the colourful packaging should also be banned as it targets young people.

He proposed the legislation to the Cabinet today.

Donnelly's legislation would see a total ban on the sale, manufacture, and import of single-use or disposable vapes in Ireland.

He referred to them as a "scourge on the environment" and said they're littering our streets.

"There are public health concerns that the devices could be resulting in the release of toxic compounds into the environment.

"So-called single-use vapes are relatively inexpensive and are often an impulse purchase in shops and disproportionately used by younger people who often experiment with them."

Irish Heart Foundation welcomes the legislation

The proposed legislation has been welcome by many including the Irish Heart Foundation.

The Irish Heart Foundation says this is a landmark day in the protection of children’s future health.

"Proposed legislation brought before Cabinet to ban disposable e-cigarettes, restrict child friendly flavours, introduce plain packs and prevent more forms of advertising, represent a vital response to Ireland's youth vaping epidemic," said the charity's Director of Advocacy, Chris Macey.

"Whilst many countries are moving to provide greater safeguards against the global targeting of young people by a vape industry led by Big Tobacco, these new laws could mean that young people in Ireland are among the best protected in the world," he said.

Mr Macy said there has been an explosion of young people vaping in Ireland in recent years.

"Minister Donnelly’s stance, supported by the Government, can have major long-term implications in sparing huge numbers of young people from the grip of nicotine addiction."

READ MORE:

• What are septum arms? The latest trend promoting impossible body standards for women
• New research has shown that Ozempic might also slow down the ageing process
• Doctor reveals hack that will help get rid of migraines
• ‘Myths about heart attacks and stroke are putting women’s lives at risk’
• Understanding PCOS: Six mistakes that can worsen your symptoms, according to a GP
• Women shocked after discovering what pregnancy can do to your eyes