What is the new legal age to buy cigarettes? Minimum smoking age to be raised today

Legislation to raise the minimum legal age to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old is set to be approved by Government today.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will bring a memo with the final legislation for approval, with the measure aiming to reduce the smoking prevalence among young people.

While the smoking rate in Ireland has fallen, it has plateaued in recent years, as currently 18pc of Irish adults smoke – 20 years on from the smoking ban.

Approximately 4,500 deaths in Ireland each year are caused by tobacco smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Data shows that the ages between 18 and 21 years old are a time of high risk for becoming a smoker.

The Government believes this increase will limit the social sources of cigarettes for children and young people under 18 years old as they will be less likely to be in social groups with people who can legally purchase cigarettes.

Raising the minimum legal age of the sale of tobacco products is expected to lead to a significant reduction in smoking prevalence and addiction.

Increasing the legal age is to limit the "social sources" of cigarettes for young people under 18 as they are less likely to be socialising with older people who can legally buy tobacco products.

The proposed legislation will not impact the minimum legal age of sale of nicotine-inhaling products or vapes.

Since December, the sale of vapes to under 18s has been banned. There is currently no proposal to extend this ban to the age of 21.

Health officials have said smoking causes 13% of all cancers and contributes to many preventable illnesses including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, eye diseases, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

It is also responsible for 5% of hospital inpatient admissions, while the financial loss caused by smoking is estimated at €10.6 billion annually.

The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association of Ireland has urged the Minister for Health to ensure that retailers are engaged in a meaningful series of discussions on how the new age limit is implemented and phased in.