The Irish Senate has passed an amendment to the Tobacco Act, raising the minimum legal age for selling cigarette goods to 21. Once the president signs the bill, it will go into effect on February 1, 2028.
According to the Irish Central on 7 November 2024. The Senate passed the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill on the same day, completing its legislative process in both houses of Parliament. The bill raises the minimum legal age for the sale of cigarette goods to 21. The bill now goes to the president for his review and signature.
Once signed by the president, the bill will go into effect on February 1, 2028. The previous transition period was designed to ensure that individuals aged 18 to 21 who are eligible to buy cigarettes would not be affected.
Under the bill, the current penalties would be expanded to include those for selling cigarette goods to people under 21. A first-time violator can be fined 4,000 euros, jailed for six months, or both.
The Irish Department of Health said the measure was aimed at accelerating the decline in adult smoking. Which has remained at 18 percent for many years, and reducing smoking among children to zero. If the bill is passed. Ireland will become the first country in the European Union to raise the tobacco sales age to 21.
Stephen Donnelly, Ireland’s health minister, said,
- “Ireland has long been a world leader in the fight against smoking. Since the ban on smoking in the workplace was implemented in 2004. We have taken some measures, including restricting the sale, advertising, and packaging of cigarette products, to make them less attractive and available to young people.”
- “I look forward to seeing this measure implemented to help our young people avoid the lifelong addictions and diseases caused by smoking.”
Minister of State Colm Burke, responsible for Public Health and the National Drug Strategy (Colm Burke) said,
- “This measure will protect our young people from becoming addicted to cigarettes in adulthood.” I have fully supported its enactment from the beginning and look forward to its enactment.”
Professor Mary Hogan, Ireland’s chief medical officer, said,
- “The implementation of this legislation is an important step in reducing smoking levels. Smoking remains one of the biggest risk factors for disability and death, placing a significant burden on the nation’s healthcare industry. This measure will help eliminate this ongoing threat and support people to make healthier lifestyle choices.”
In December 2023. Donnelly implemented Section 28 of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhalation Products) Act 2023. Which prohibits the sale of vapes and other inhaled tobacco and tar commodities to people under the age of 18.
In May 2024, Donnelly activated some provisions of the bill banning the sale of cigarettes and tobacco tar inhalation commodities through vending machines, and in December signed a law imposing an on-site fine of 2,000 euros for the sale of such products to children.
Separately, Northern Ireland’s Health Minister. Mike Nesbitt, welcomed the enactment of the Tobacco and vape Bill this week. The bill states that all people born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be able to legally buy tobacco, but its implementation in Northern Ireland requires the agreement of the Northern Ireland Executive Committee and the support of the Assembly.
