Cavan-Monaghan TD Niamh Smyth has welcomed legislation enacted today which prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under 18. Health Minister and Deputy Smyth's Fianna Fáil colleague, Stephen Donnelly, had promised to bring the ban into effect before Christmas.
The new law will make it an offence to to sell a nicotine inhaling product to a child. Penalties for breaking the new rules could include fines of up to €4,000 or six months in prison. Other measures are due to follow next year, including action on e-cigarette sales in vending machines, and advertising.
Niamh Smyth told Northern Sound she has taken calls from concerned Cavan and Monaghan parents about the unknown effects of vapes on children's health.