The Cabinet is set to approve laws to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to under 18.
The legislation – which is expected to be passed this summer – would also limit where e-cigarettes can be sold.
Additionally, it would limit who is allowed to sell vaping products, prohibiting them from vending machines and kid-friendly events.
The advertising of vaping items near schools or on public transportation will also stop.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly expects the legislation to be passed before the Dáil’s summer recess on July 13th.
Two surveys in 2018 and 2019 indicated that 9% of 12 to 17 year olds, and 15.5% of 15 and 16 year olds had used vapes in the previous 30 days.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin says it cannot continue to be marketed towards young people.
“We’ve made great strides in reducing tobacco use among young people since the smoking ban period. In many ways, I see vamping as the revenge of the tobacco industry in terms of getting people hooked on nicotine again, so therefore this legislation is important.