Into The Mouth Of Babes

Move over vapes…

atest press release from Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, issued on Wednesday, May 15th 2024…

Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for the government to regulate the sale and use of nicotine pouches.

These products are marketed to teens, and their popularity is growing, much like the recent growth of vapes. Deputy Whitmore has raised the serious threat to Wicklow teen’s health with the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach in the Dáil chamber.

Speaking on this issue, Deputy Whitmore said: “I have been raising this issue since January of this year. When I asked the Minister for Health a series of Parliamentary Questions on the matter, I was shocked to find as well as there being no Irish or EU regulation on these highly addictive products, the Department of Health do not seem to even be gathering data on their use.

“I agree with the Association of Principals and Assistant Principals call for the HSE to issue an advisory note on the use of nicotine pouches due to their prevalence in our schools. Principals and teachers in Wicklow see these being used in schools across the county and need the HSE’s support to tackle it. Cynically, the pouches are available in various child-friendly flavors to make them attractive to younger people.

“I know that the increased use of nicotine products among school-age children is a massive concern for many of us parents here in Wicklow. It is also troubling that the sale of nicotine pouches is not being tracked, which makes it difficult to assess the age profile of users.

“These pouches come in the form of small bags and contain highly addictive nicotine, among other ingredients. The product, which is placed under the user’s lip and up against the gum, is sometimes branded as a safer alternative to smoking. They should be viewed as a gateway to nicotine dependency.

“Much like vaping, we have seen increased use of these pouches by young people under the age of 18. They pose a serious risk to the health and well-being of children and are contributing to rising nicotine addiction in Wicklow and the entire country.

“I have written to the Taoiseach to outline my concerns and raised the matter with him in the Dáil. I note his commitment to raise this important issue with the Minister for Health and will await his response with interest.

“With the Government signalling its intention to raise the legal age of purchasing cigarettes to 21, it seems counterintuitive to allow products such as nicotine patches to be sold in a regulatory vacuum.”