Cigarette vending machines are to be banned in Ireland as part as part of the Government's plan to create a ‘tobacco-free' country by 2025.

There are currently around 7,000 of these vending machines throughout the country and they are viewed as an easier way for minors to obtain cigarettes.

Meanwhile, regulations governing the sale of e-cigarettes are also contained in the policy, which was agreed by the Cabinet on Tuesday.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices designed to supply nicotine through inhaled water vapour. They are currently at the centre of a major debate, with some people stating that they can help smokers to quit the habit and others insisting that they are potentially harmful to health.

As a result of potential health concerns, the HSE introduced a ban on e-cigarettes in all hospitals and health facilities from May 1. It said this ban 'followed a detailed review of their safety' and insisted that ‘there currently is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes are safe for long-term use, or are effective as a smoking cessation aid'.

Yet despite this, there are currently no regulations governing the sale of these products in Irish retail units. This new policy will see a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to people under the age of 18 and strict penalties for retail units who are caught selling to them.

Meanwhile, the new policy also includes plans to charge retailers an ongoing licensing fee to sell tobacco products, with bigger retail units expected to pay a higher fee. Currently, shops pay a one-off fee of €50 to stock tobacco products irrespective of their size.

Further discussions on this new policy are expected before it is signed off.