The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said that future healthcare measures to tackle electronic cigarette marketing will be extended to include nicotine pouches.<\/p>\n
The comments come following a motion raised at the most recent meeting of the HSE South West Regional Health Forum, held last week at Cork County Hall, by Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan.<\/p>\n
In his motion, Mr Horgan called on the HSE to include nicotine pouches in \u201cany work the HSE is conducting in tackling vapes as a public health issue\u201d as products such a Snus nicotine pouches \u201care being targeted towards minors as a tobacco alternative\u201d.<\/p>\n
In response to the motion, a spokesperson for the HSE\u2019s South West branch said the agency is \u201ccurrently planning a social media campaign aimed at young people, focusing on vaping as well as other nicotine products like Snus\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe HSE National Tobacco Free Ireland Office has completed qualitative research involving children and young people aged 10 years old to 17 years old, as well as parents and guardians, teachers and coaches, and older siblings,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA range of resources and materials for parents and schools are now available to order free of charge from [the HSE website].<\/p>\n
\n \u201cA campaign pack has been distributed through HSE networks, partner organisations, and Oireachtas members.\n <\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition, a letter was sent to all primary and secondary schools for onward circulation to parents and relevant organisations, highlighting the increased use of vaping products, associated health risks, and new legislation regarding disposable vapes and packaging.<\/p>\n
\u201cSocial media and Google search advertising targeting parents is currently live, offering guidance on vaping, smokeless nicotine products, and how to talk to children about nicotine addiction,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n
\n \u201cRadio advertising, digital audio advertising and digital display advertising focusing on vaping will launch in the coming weeks.\n <\/p>\n
\u201cPlanning for Phase 2, which will target young people directly, is in development.\u201d Mr Horgan said that it is \u201cgood to see that laws are expected to be in place regarding these nicotine pouches\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe attractiveness that these products have to young people; we have to do more on it,\u201d said Mr Horgan.<\/p>\n
Social Democrats councillor for the Cork South West ward, Ann Bambury said that the response from the HSE \u201cis great\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey [nicotine products] are just becoming too prominent in society now,\u201d said Ms Bambury.<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI have teenagers myself and the last thing I want to see in their mouth is a vape.\n <\/p>\n