Irish Minister: Disposable Vapes ‘Worsen the World’
Credit: Schankz
Single use vapes have been described as “worsening the world” amid plans for their ban by Minister for State Ossian Smyth.
The Minister stated that single use disposable vapes could be banned under the Circular Economy Act or the single use plastic directive.
However, Smyth said that a ban would not come into effect before consultations with the general public and sellers took place. He told listeners on RTE’s Morning Ireland that vapes had now become the default option for smokers, as they are typically half the cost of cigarettes.
“If you were at the Electric Picnic festival earlier this summer, you would’ve seen these brightly coloured tubes all over the ground,” he said. “They’re everywhere and they are an innovation that has made the world a worse place.”
The Green Party politician also admitted that a complete ban would be unlikely as people would still attempt to purchase single use vapes online. However, he reassured listeners that it would “massively reduce” their purchase and ultimate benefit public health.