The sale of e-cigarettes to teenagers and children under the age of 18 will be banned in the second quarter of next year, it has emerged.
It follows a new World Health Organisation (WHO) report that highlights the health hazards of the devices that simulate the sensation of smoking.
Last June, the Government agreed on a plan to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors - and to outlaw the use of some 7,000 tobacco vending machines nationwide.
Under the proposed scheme, retailers for the first time will be required to have a licence to sell cigarette-related products.
Ministers adopted the policy on the understanding relevant legislation would be introduced during the lifetime of the Government.
A Department of Health spokesman confirmed to the Irish Independent that the legislation was expected to become law between April and June next year.
"I would imagine it will be before the summer recess," he said.
There is currently no minimum legal age governing the sale of e-cigarettes.
The government plans have been given renewed impetus following the latest WHO report, which has raised fresh fears over the safety of the electronic devices.
The report says the sale of these cigarette substitutes to minors should be banned.
Source: Mark O'Regan, Irish Independent, 27/08/14
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