Report finds Irish young people smoke less and vape more than EU average

Fifteen-year-olds in Ireland rank favourably compared to the rest of the EU when it comes to low levels of smoking and alcohol consumption, a global report has said.

It also noted that young people in Ireland ranked fourth highest in the EU for regular use of vapes.

The OECD Health at a Glance report analysed health trends across EU countries, including comparable data on the health of young people in Ireland.

It highlights that using tobacco, harmful alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, a lack of physical activity and obesity account for a substantial share of the total burden of morbidity and mortality in EU countries.

In 2021, approximately 1.1 million deaths in the EU, equivalent to nearly 21% of all deaths, were attributable to the combined impact of smoking, excessive alcohol use and high body-mass index.

The Health at a Glance report found that among 15-year-olds, Ireland has the lowest rate of smoking, at 7%, and among the lowest rates of cannabis smoking, at 4%, in the EU.

The proportion of 15-year-olds reporting repeated drunkenness is among the lowest in the EU, at 13%.

Physical activity

Ireland is also among the top five EU countries in terms of the proportion of 15-year-olds meeting recommended physical activity levels and is one of just eight countries which achieved an HPV vaccination rate for boys of more than 60% in 2023.

The report also highlights some areas of concern: almost half (47%) of 15-year-olds report that they eat neither fruit nor vegetables daily, although this is below the EU average of 56%.

The rate of overweight or obesity among 15-year-olds is 20%, marginally lower than the EU average of 21%.

The rate of consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks among this age group is 8%, lower than the EU average of 14%.

The publication cites the impact of Ireland’s Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax, introduced in 2018, which has led to an estimated reduction in sugar intake from carbonated soft drinks from 5kg per person in 2018 to less than 4kg in 2022.

Vaping

In relation to vaping – which the report says is a “possible smoking cessation tool” but also suggests it “may lead to tobacco smoking, especially among youth” – Ireland has the fourth highest proportion of young people who vape regularly.

Over 10% of 15-24 year olds and over 5% of all adults in Ireland said they use vapes regularly, according to 2022 data, compared to an EU average of 2.7% and 2.1% respectively.

Minister for public health, Cork TD Colm Burke, said the report highlights “encouraging trends”, particularly among younger age groups.

“Ireland has long been a world leader in tackling smoking rates, and we continue to work towards the vision of a tobacco free Ireland, including raising the minimum age of sale of tobacco to 21.

“We are also making progress in reducing alcohol-related harm, with several measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, 2018 designed to protect children.”