23.6% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 893,564 current smokers in Ireland
Smoking in Ireland
The overall smoking prevalence in Ireland has decreased since 2006. 23.6% of the adult population in Ireland are current smokers, down from 29% in 2006. This means there are now approximately 893,778 smokers in the country. 26.1% of men smoke and for women the figure is 21.2%.
The most recent data show there were 5,602 annual deaths from tobacco-smoking related diseases (approximately 2,400 women and 3,200 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 18.18% (women: 16%; and men: 19.8%).
Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Ireland and there are 265,500 vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 6.7%. There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, and they can only be sold to those 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are no legal restrictions on their use in public places.
Heated tobacco products cannot be marketed and the situation is quite complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be marketed and it is available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in Ireland is worth €27.1 million.
For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Deaths
In Ireland, 5,602 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
Market size of NRT.
NRT market size is estimated to 27.1 million €.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Ireland
Heated tobacco products must comply with existing tobacco control legislation in Ireland.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Ireland
The Republic of Ireland abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). The law relating to e-cigarettes is Statutory Instrument No. 271 of 2016, European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016. Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products. Vaping is not officially prohibited in public places, but many locations have imposed their own vaping bans. Domestic advertising is permitted within the confines of EU law and cross-border sales remain legal providing the retailer is registered with the government.
Snus
in Ireland
Snus is banned. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Ireland.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Ireland
NRT market size is estimated to 27.1 million €. In Ireland you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. NRT is legal to market. NRT is available in many general shops without a prescription.