To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to discourage and reduce the use of disposable vaping products among children and young people.

As you will be aware I introduced regulations on 1 February prohibiting the sale, and proxy purchase, of nicotine inhaling products to under 18s. These regulations are enforced by district council enforcement officers and apply to all types of nicotine containing e-cigarettes, including disposable devices.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) commissions a smoking prevention uptake programme for children and young people called 'Smoke Busters' which includes information on the harms associated with vaping. The programme is facilitated by Cancer Focus NI and is delivered in primary schools across NI, targeting 6,000 Year 6 and 7 pupils each year. In addition, the PHA are exploring (in liaison with CCEA) opportunities for a post primary education programme regarding vaping, as well as the development of age appropriate resources warning of the harms associated with vaping, that can be accessed by schools, community youth groups and parents/carers.

Recent reports from other parts of the UK indicate a rise in youth vaping. The Department will continue to monitor this position and will consider appropriate mechanisms to reduce youth uptake as part of our strategic work on tobacco control.