Vaping will become 'the public health issue of this generation', says Cork councillor  

A motion calling on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to conduct research into the feasibility of limiting vaping products to pharmacy only sales, received cross-party support at yesterday’s HSE South West Regional Health Forum.

The motion, raised by Labour party councillor Peter Horgan, called on the HSE to investigate the benefits of introducing such a restriction.

Mr Horgan said while efforts have been made by the HSE through ongoing anti-vaping campaigns, “the horse has bolted” in relation to the prevalence of vaping in our communities.

“It is my own view that we need radical action to deal with the scourge of vaping, especially among our youngest citizens,” said Mr Horgan.

“Vaping will become the public health issue of this generation and it’s vital we address it now.”

Fianna Fáil’s, Margaret McDonell said there should be “an outright ban on vaping in public places.”

In response to the motion, a spokesperson for the HSE’s South West branch said the HSE has been “very, very active” with its anti-vaping messaging, and recently launched a new national campaign with social media influencers aimed at encouraging youths away from nicotine products.