On 4 July, the Public Health (Tobacco Amendment Bill) 2024 was presented in Dail Eireann.
The legislation, if enacted and commenced, will increase the minimum age of the sale of tobacco products to 21.
This will be the highest in Europe.
Subject to the successful passage of the legislation, the Act will commence on 1st February 2028.
The bill provides a number of penalties for anyone convicted of selling products to people under the age of 18. It will be extended to cover convictions relating to the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 21. The penalties include fines of up to €4,000.00 or six months imprisonment.
The minimum age of vape products will not be affected and will remain at 18.