Proposal to Raise Legal Smoking Age to 21 in Ireland

According to the Irish Examiner report on April 30th, a memorandum will soon be submitted to the cabinet proposing to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21. Earlier this month, Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly stated his intention to seek government approval to ban the sale of tobacco products to those under 21, as part of a wider strategy to create a smoke-free generation.

Earlier this month, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland welcomed Minister Donnelly's commitment to banning the sale of tobacco products to those under the age of 21. It published a position paper in 2022 outlining this as an effective policy measure, which has received strong public support in Ireland and has been successfully implemented in other countries. According to warnings, nearly one-fifth of those aged 15 and older in Ireland still smoke, which could have devastating health impacts.

According to sources, health officials are currently in the final stages of preparing a memorandum to present to the cabinet, which may be considered before the end of May for the implementation of this policy. The proposed legislation stems from a private member's bill previously put forward by newly appointed Secretary of State Colm Burke, who is responsible for public health affairs.

According to reports, the bill is relatively simple and, if approved by the cabinet, can quickly take effect. Although the legal age for selling nicotine inhalation products (such as e-cigarettes) was raised to 18 in December last year, the government is still working on further strengthening the legal control over the sale of e-cigarettes and their products.

Burke expressed that he has always been very concerned about the issue of smoking control because in Ireland, tobacco smoking remains the single biggest risk factor for disability and death. He said, "Every year, an estimated 4,500 people die from smoking and second-hand smoke exposure in our country."

According to estimates, diseases and disabilities caused by smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are significant, accounting for 13% of all cancer cases, 2% of total hospital admissions, 5% of inpatient populations, and 8% of all bedridden days. The estimated cost in public hospitals is 172 million euros.

Burke stated that he will do everything in his power and use all of his authority to fulfill the responsibilities of the Minister of Public Health in order to reduce smoking rates and promote a smoke-free society.