AQW 17850/22-27


Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast


Tabled Date: 08/11/2024
Answered On Date: 25/11/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he plans to develop and implement a public health campaign around the dangers and potential harm of children using vaping products.


Answer:
Due to the significant budgetary challenges faced by my Department a decision was taken to freeze all campaign advertising for 2024/25. The budgetary pressures that led to the freeze on advertising spend remain severe. The Public Health Agency (PHA) continues to promote health issues and advice via social media and through its website.
The PHA, working with partners, has also taken forward a number of relevant initiatives:
‘Vaping - the Facts’ training – this was provided region-wide for professionals in healthcare, social care, education and youth work. This training is now available online and has been distributed through CCEA to all post primary schools, SEN schools and regional colleges. The resources have also been made available for onward distribution to parents/carers.
A stop smoking/vaping pilot service is being undertaken in schools in Belfast and South Eastern areas.
An extensive piece of research, shortly to conclude, which seeks to understand the use of vaping among young people.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, recently introduced at Westminster, provides a landmark opportunity to create a smoke-free Northern Ireland and address the increasing use of vapes particularly among younger people. In respect of vapes (both nicotine and non-nicotine) the Bill will:
Prohibit advertising and sponsorship agreements for vaping and nicotine products.
Ban the sale of non-nicotine vapes and nicotine products to under 18s. The Bill will also ban the purchase of these products on behalf of someone under 18.
Ban vending machines for the sale of vaping or nicotine products.
Ban the free distribution of vaping and nicotine products to people of all ages.
Provide regulation making powers to:
Regulate the contents and flavours of vaping and nicotine products – and any accessories to vaping products which impact flavour.
Regulate packaging and product requirements of vaping and nicotine products.
Regulate the display of vaping and nicotine products in retail premises.
The Bill strengthens enforcement activity to support the implementation of the above measures including extending the current registration scheme for retailers of tobacco to vaping products and nicotine products.  The Bill also provides powers to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vapes and nicotine products following consultation.