Tobacco and vaping industries lobbying Irish politicians at 'chilling' rate
A new analysis reveals that tobacco and vaping industries are heavily lobbying Irish politicians, significantly more than health groups.Summary
A recent analysis of Ireland’s lobbying register between 2016 and 2024 found a “chillingly” high rate of lobbying by the tobacco and vaping industries. Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, HSE units, and University College Cork analyzed 511 submissions from 39 lobbyists, revealing that commercial groups made 2.9 times more submissions than health groups. Japan Tobacco International Ireland and FTI Consulting were the most active lobbyists, while Vape Business Ireland (now Responsible Vaping Ireland) and the Irish Heart Foundation also made significant contributions. The lobbying efforts focused on issues like tax and excise duty, and new vaping legislation. Professor Paul Kavanagh, lead author of the analysis, expressed concern over the industry’s attempts to influence policy, highlighting Ireland’s commitment to protecting public health policy from industry influence under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The Irish Heart Foundation called for increased regulation of lobbying, while Responsible Vaping Ireland defended its efforts, stating it advocates for evidence-based regulation and supports measures like banning sales to minors.
(Source：Irish Examiner)
