A proposal for legislation that will increase the age for the purchase of tobacco from 18 to 21 has been approved by the Cabinet.

It’s been described as a “landmark” decision by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

It will make Ireland the first EU country to ban those aged under 21 from buying tobacco.

The aim of the legislation is to reduce the number of adults smoking in Ireland by 5%.

Market rules

Minister Donnelly said they had been targeting sellers rather than smokers – but it wasn’t feasible.

“The very clear legal advice we got at the time was that it would not be in compliance with single market rules and regulations,” he said.

“However, I asked my department to engage with the EU and there’s an ongoing review of the EU’s position.

“I wouldn’t rule anything like that out in the future, it will be a matter for a future government.

“For now, we want to get through what we know will have an immediate effect.”

A man smoking a cigarette. Image: Jes2ufoto / Alamy Stock Photo

The new legislation will not be applied to those already aged between 18 and 21 years old.

The legal age for purchasing vapes will also be unaffected, remaining at 18 years old.

Taoiseach Simon Harris told The Pat Kenny Show yesterday that nobody who currently smokes will be prevented from doing so by the new legislation.

“We’re not talking about making something that illegal that is legal today,” he said.

“In other words, if you’re 18, 19, 20 and you’re smoking today - we wish you weren’t from a public health point of view - but we’re not intending to make that illegal.

“We’re talking about people when they reach the age of 18, so people who are not yet 18.”

Around one in 10 people smoke every day in Ireland - according to Census 2022 - where around 6,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses every year.

Main image: A range of tobacco products on offer in a shop. Image: BSIP SA / Alamy Stock Photo