Proposed new law to raise smoking age from 18 to 21 in Ireland

Source: Irish Sun

DUBLIN, Ireland: The Irish government is set to consider new legislation that would raise the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 to combat smoking among young people.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will bring this landmark proposal to the Cabinet this week.

The initiative seeks to diminish the accessibility of cigarettes to those under 18 by limiting their ability to obtain tobacco products through older peers.

"The new law aims to limit the social sources of cigarettes for people under 18 as they will be less likely to be in social groups with people who can legally purchase cigarettes," explained Donnelly.

The proposed legislation includes a transitional provision for those currently aged between 18 and 21 who are legally entitled to purchase tobacco. This group will not be immediately affected by the prohibition on the retail sale of tobacco products, allowing for a "wash-through" period.

Despite a decline in smoking rates, Ireland has seen a plateau in recent years, with around 18% of adults still smoking. Tobacco use continues to be a significant health concern, responsible for approximately 4,500 deaths annually in the country due to smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Public support for raising the legal smoking age appears strong. A November 2021 poll by the Irish Heart Foundation found that 73 percent of adults, and 71 percent of those aged 18 to 24, favor increasing the legal age to 21. Similarly, a 2022 Ipsos MRBI poll commissioned by the Health Service Executive indicated that 71 percent support the government's raising the age limit.

This measure follows international trends, with several other countries, as well as states in the U.S. and provinces in Canada, having already increased the legal smoking age to 21.