According to Irish media outlet Irishmirror, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has stated that the government will consider the possibility of banning e-cigarettes in schools.
Irish parliamentarian Alan Dillon voiced his deep concerns regarding the use of e-cigarettes by minors during the parliamentary session on October 24th.
He stated that he has received calls from concerned teachers and parents, reflecting a growing prevalence of e-cigarette usage amongst elementary and middle school students.
Dillon expressed to Prime Minister Valadkar that “the problem is not limited to schools only, as there is also a phenomenon of students gathering and using e-cigarettes in public places.” Dillon suggested that the government should implement regulations to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in schools.
He also proposed the development of an educational project to raise awareness among children about the dangers of e-cigarettes. In response to this suggestion, Prime Minister Varadkar confirmed that the government will consider the issue of banning the use of e-cigarettes in schools.
He stated, “A regulation will be introduced to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and implement a licensing system, allowing only approved stores to sell e-cigarettes. We will also consider banning e-cigarettes in schools. This idea holds some merit.
Previously, Irish Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly expressed his readiness to “tackle e-cigarette companies”.
He said:
We are currently planning to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to children, regardless of whether they are children or adolescents, as long as they are under the age of 18.
