A bill prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to minors has passed in both houses of the Oireachtas.

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, which will also prohibit the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products in vending machines, is expected to come into law before Christmas.

Along with prohibiting the sale of nicotine inhaling products to under 18s the current Bill will:

• Prohibit the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products at events for children
• Introduce a strict licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products
• Prohibit the advertising of nicotine inhaling products around schools and on public transport
• Provide additional enforcement powers to the Environmental Health Service for measures in the Bill and for all previous Tobacco Control Acts.