Single-Use Vape Ban Bill Sparks Debate in Irish Parliament

Key Points 

• Ireland introduced the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill to the Dáil;
• The bill was presented by a Minister of State on behalf of the Health Minister;
• A new excise tax on e-liquids took effect on November 1;
• Lawmakers cited youth health and environmental concerns;
• Industry groups called for careful scrutiny of the legislation.

2Firsts, December 18, 2025 – According to gript, a bill seeking to ban the sale of single-use vapes has been introduced to Ireland’s Dáil, with TDs warning of the environmental damage caused by disposable vaping devices.

The first stage of the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill was introduced on Tuesday by Minister of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O’Connor on behalf of Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. If passed, the legislation could see disposable vapes banned in Ireland.

The move follows the introduction of a new excise duty on e-liquids, which took effect on November 1. Under the measure, e-liquids are subject to an excise duty of €0.50 per millilitre (approximately US$0.55, original currency: euro), in addition to 23% VAT.

Murnane O’Connor told the Dáil that the rate of children using vapes has increased, with growing concern over their impact on children’s health. She also highlighted the environmental issue posed by discarded vapes in towns and villages.

The minister said the bill would remove lower-priced disposable products from shops, making them less attractive and accessible to children, while also addressing environmental damage. She warned that nicotine addiction among young people could lead to cigarette smoking and associated health harms.

Several TDs raised concerns about appealing flavours, pricing, ease of use and product design attracting young people. The bill would restrict available flavours, as well as colours and imagery on packaging.

Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), which represents more than 3,300 independent vape retailers, urged TDs to fully scrutinise the bill. The group warned of possible loopholes, citing the UK’s experience where some disposable products were reclassified as reusable following a similar ban. RVI added that vaping remains an important harm-reduction tool for adult smokers seeking to quit cigarettes, and that flavours help adults stay off smoking.

Image source: gript