Legislation approved to ban sale of disposable vapes
The newly approved Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill bans the sale, manufacture and import of single-use or disposable vapes in Ireland.
It also restricts the sale of flavoured vapes, “which often appeal to children,” as well as banning point-of-sale advertising displays in shops other than specialised outlets that only sell vapes.
The Government said the ban is for public health reasons, saying it is a “hugely important step that will protect younger people in particular, who often impulse buy them in shops and experiment with them.”
Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming, Minister of State, welcomed the announcement, saying his party “recognise that nicotine is a highly addictive drug.”
“We are acting to make these products less accessible to our young people and to remove them from their everyday lives.
“The bright colours and imagery used to promote flavoured vapes are used to attract young people into impulse purchases.
“Disposable vapes are also a blight on our environment. They are hazardous if not recycled properly and they can be seen littered across the country, in all of our communities, in even the most remote locations.”
Eight Laois schools approved for Creative Schools Programme
Eight Laois schools have been approved to join the Creative Schools Programme which gives children the opportunity to explore creativity and different aspects of art.
The children will be able to enjoy education and learning through different ways, such as baking, music, photography and more.
The eight schools are:
- Ballyfin National School
- Ballinakill Mixed National School
- Scoil Mhuire National School, Wolfhill
- The Swan National School
- St Patrick’s Boys National School, Portarlington
- St Francis Special School, Portlaoise
- Killeshin National School
- St Pius X National School, Ballacolla
Welcoming the news, Deputy Sean Fleming said: “This will greatly enhance the learning experience for the children in these local schools in Laois and give them the opportunity to explore different ways of creativity.
“I want to thank the school principals and school managements for applying to be part of this programme and I look forward to seeing how this project will develop in these schools.”
Expansion of First Home Scheme
The Government has announced the expansion of their First Home Scheme which was launched two years ago to help first-time buyers “bridge the gap” between their mortgage, deposit, and the price of a new home.
The news was welcomed by Laois Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan, saying:
“This is a hugely popular scheme, helping 5,400 buyers since its launch. The additional €100m funding will support more people in Laois and Offaly to get the keys to their own home.
“As the pipeline of applications for this scheme continues to surge, people in Laois and Offaly considering the scheme can have confidence that it will be an option for them in the future.
“Throughout the constituency I have witnessed how this scheme has paved the way for people to purchase their own home, and I am delighted with the additional funding to ensure it is sufficiently resourced.”
