Sir,
In your article ‘Sale of vapes and cigarettes to young people could be banned’ on Sunday, 9th August 2025, it says the Government is considering a ban on the sale of tobacco and nicotine-inhaling products to anyone born after a certain date, following the introduction of similar legislation in Britain. Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne said that over time it would mean a nicotine-free generation.
First, let’s clarify that Britain is not introducing a generation ban on vapes. In fact, Britain’s approach to vapes is quite the opposite, and sees the NHS providing free vape-starter kits to smokers.
Second, adult vapers are aghast at the Government’s belief that the way to solve a problem is to ban it. Deputy Byrne and other members of Government should look at the Irish and international research, which shows that a ban simply drives the problem underground.
Approximately 38% of cigarettes and 30% of vaping products in Ireland are obtained illegally or pay no duty.
Respect Vapers, representing over 320,000 adults who vape to give up cigarettes, totally agree that nobody, irrespective of their age should start vaping or smoking.
However, a blanket ban on vapes will create risks and unintended consequences. The Netherlands and Australia have experienced these consequences.
The Netherlands introduced a vape flavour ban in January 2024 and now 87% of Dutch vapers (nearly 9 in 10) are using illegal products or sourcing them through illicit channels. (Donkere wolken (“Dark Clouds”),
In Australia the sale of vapes is now in the control of criminal gangs, who don’t care about the age of their customers or the quality of the products.
Alternatively, other nations have succeeded with a more nuanced approach. They include Sweden, which is almost smoke-free, and New Zealand, which has a smoking rate of only 6%.
The Irish Government has chosen to ignore these approaches. This will result in more people smoking and more unregulated products being available on the streets.
A better approach is educating young people about the risks of nicotine, properly enforcing the laws on the age limit for the sale of vapes and informed and positive communications on healthy living rather than witch hunts to ban all the problems.
Yours,
Respect Vapers
