The sale of menthol cigarettes will be banned in Ireland from May.
A ban on menthol tobacco products will come into effect on May 20, 2020 as part of a European Union directive on smoking.
The ban will also include cigarettes that can be modified to change their smell or taste.
While there is no evidence to prove that menthol-flavoured cigarettes are any more harmful than regular cigarettes, it has been suggested that flavoured cigarettes are more appealing to young people.
In 2016, a ban on certain flavoured tobacco products came into place while the prohibition of menthol products was pushed back to this year.
The ban will also apply to irregularly shaped packs of cigarettes, according to Minister for Health Simon Harris.
He told the Irish Times: “Just because they smell a bit nicer does not mean they are less harmful. They cause many diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Some research shows that menthol cigarettes may be more addictive than non-menthol cigarettes.
“The changes will also mean slim packs and other irregular shaped packs will no longer be allowed. The industry has continued to adapt and lure our children into this deadly addiction and we must continue to act also.”
