TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said he would like to see the HSE-funded smoking cessation service expanded to those who need help to quit vaping. 

The Journal reported this week that people who want to quit vaping are being turned away from HSE-funded ‘quit smoking’ services due to a lack of capacity and funding for a dedicated vaping service.

This is despite the rise in people who use vaping products and wish to quit presenting to the HSE stop smoking services.

“We do not have capacity to deliver stop vaping care and are not resourced to do so,” Martina Blake, head of the HSE’s Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, told Labour TD Marie Sherlock in response to a parliamentary question.

The HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme was set up in 2016 to support people to quit smoking, as well as protect children and “denormalise” tobacco use for the next generation.

Asked in New York if he would like to see the quit smoking supports extended to vaping, Micheál Martin replied: “I would.”

Martin, who was the health minister in charge when the smoking ban was introduced, went on to say that “vaping is the second coming of the tobacco industry”. 

“I often describe it as the revenge of the tobacco industry on the smoking ban,” he said. 

“I find it extraordinary that a product gets on the market without anybody having to do due diligence in respect of the what we’re now learning are very serious health impacts as a result of vaping.” 

Martin went on to state that when he met Dr Anthony Fauci last year, the former US chief medical officer quoted peer reviewed international research to him about the damage that vaping has on people. The Taoiseach said Irish medics specialising in cancer and respiratory areas have also raised concerns with him.

“I think we need to go all out on vaping,” said the Taoiseach. 

He added that a tax on vaping, as proposed in last year’s budget, will form part of Budget 2026. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed this week that the new vape tax will kick in 1 November. 

Martin said price does matter, adding that it was particularly impactful on reducing tobacco consumption.

“Budget after budget, we increased significantly, and combined with other measures, it did result in a reduction in cigarette smoking, but vaping is a big one,” he concluded.