Future healthcare measures will be extended tonicotine pouches

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said that future healthcare measures to tackle electronic cigarette marketing will be extended to include nicotine pouches.

The comments come following a motion raised at the most recent meeting of the HSE South West Regional Health Forum, held last week at Cork County Hall, by Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan.

In his motion, Mr Horgan called on the HSE to include nicotine pouches in “any work the HSE is conducting in tackling vapes as a public health issue” as products such a Snus nicotine pouches “are being targeted towards minors as a tobacco alternative”.

In response to the motion, a spokesperson for the HSE’s South West branch said the agency is “currently planning a social media campaign aimed at young people, focusing on vaping as well as other nicotine products like Snus”.

“The HSE National Tobacco Free Ireland Office has completed qualitative research involving children and young people aged 10 years old to 17 years old, as well as parents and guardians, teachers and coaches, and older siblings,” the spokesperson said.

“A range of resources and materials for parents and schools are now available to order free of charge from [the HSE website].

“A campaign pack has been distributed through HSE networks, partner organisations, and Oireachtas members.

“In addition, a letter was sent to all primary and secondary schools for onward circulation to parents and relevant organisations, highlighting the increased use of vaping products, associated health risks, and new legislation regarding disposable vapes and packaging.

“Social media and Google search advertising targeting parents is currently live, offering guidance on vaping, smokeless nicotine products, and how to talk to children about nicotine addiction,” they added.

“Radio advertising, digital audio advertising and digital display advertising focusing on vaping will launch in the coming weeks.

“Planning for Phase 2, which will target young people directly, is in development.” Mr Horgan said that it is “good to see that laws are expected to be in place regarding these nicotine pouches”.

“The attractiveness that these products have to young people; we have to do more on it,” said Mr Horgan.

Social Democrats councillor for the Cork South West ward, Ann Bambury said that the response from the HSE “is great”.

“They [nicotine products] are just becoming too prominent in society now,” said Ms Bambury.

“I have teenagers myself and the last thing I want to see in their mouth is a vape.

“A lot of people are being encouraged when they stop smoking to pursue vapes, which realistically isn’t solving the problem.” For more information on resources available, visit: https://www.healthpromotion.ie.