The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 will prohibit the sale of nicotine consumption products, such as pouches, to under-18s.

It will also prohibit the advertising of nicotine inhaling products and nicotine consumption products in all retail outlets and prohibit their point-of-sale display in mixed retail outlets.

Colours and imagery on nicotine inhaling product devices and packaging will be restricted, and the sale of devices resembling or functioning as other products such as toys or games will be prohibited.

All flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names will also be prohibited for nicotine inhaling products.

Flavours in nicotine inhaling products will be limited to tobacco, with provision for changes to be made by regulation.

The Department of Health says the legislation “is designed to be future-proofed”, applying not only to products currently on the market but also any new nicotine products that emerge.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “This bill will enhance and expand existing legislation on nicotine inhaling products by reducing their appeal, visibility and accessibility.

“It will also prohibit the sale of current and future recreational nicotine products to minors and reduce their visibility in retail outlets.

“Together these laws represent a comprehensive package to limit the promotion and sale of these addictive products.

“They also illustrate Ireland’s continuing leadership on tobacco and nicotine control, as part of efforts to support and protect our population to live healthier lives.”

Jennifer Murnan O’Connor, minister for public health, wellbeing and the national drugs strategy, added: “I welcome the approval of government to bring these important public health measures forward for enactment.

“I particularly welcome the approach taken to address new products such as nicotine pouches which will ensure that new law to protect our children does not have to be developed each time a new product comes onto the market.

“We are dealing with an increasingly aggressive industry marketing attractively packaged addictive products that appeal to children. We are responding strongly with measures that will protect our young people against current and future threats.

“This bill complements the legislation already underway to ban single-use vapes, and I am very pleased to be bringing the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) bill through the committee and all remaining stages in the Dáil this evening.

“I look forward to working with Minister Carroll McNeill to bring these measures into operation as soon as possible.”