Statement on raising the legal age to buy tobacco products to 21
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland welcomes Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly’s recommendation to cabinet to raise the legal age to buy cigarettes and tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has previously called for a ban on the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. A position paper published in 2022 outlines how this is an effective policy measure, with high levels of public support in Ireland and already successfully implemented in other countries.
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) also welcomes the commencement of further sections of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 to strengthen the protection of children from tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes or vapes.
Almost 1-in-5 people aged over 15 years of age still smoke in Ireland and risk devastating health consequences. The commitment from Minister Donnelly to raise the age for the purchase of tobacco products is an important step towards building a tobacco free generation and is a huge opportunity for better health in Ireland.
Further information is available in our position papers: