The Irish Cancer Society says it cannot recommend electronic cigarettes as an alternative to smoking tobacco until they are regulated in Ireland.
The ICS has welcomed moves in Britain to categorize and regulate e-cigarettes as medicine. Manufacturers will have to face tough tests before they can sell their ecigs as licensed products in the UK. The move will also mean e-cigarettes can be prescribed by doctors in order to help smokers cut down or quit.
According to an ICS spokeswoman:
“Until the safety and efficacy of these products are established and we can be assured that they do not pose a hazard to a person’s health and well-being, we are unable to recommend them.”
E-cigarettes are widely available in Ireland but there are no regulations on how they are to be sold and advertised.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland advised pharmacies two years ago that, in the absence of regulation, e-cigarettes should not be offered for sale in pharmacies. E-cigarettes can be bought in Ireland through a wide variety of brick and mortar shops as well as the Internet. A number of people have claimed to have actually quit smoking since using them. 
In December, the European Commission proposed an EU tobacco products directive, the aim of which is to reduce smoking numbers.
The proposal, currently being considered by member states, recommends that nicotine containing products below a certain nicotine threshold, such as e-cigarettes, are allowed on the market but must feature health warnings.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said the proposal was being discussed in the European Parliament and Council of Ministers and the commission was hoping it would be adopted next year.
He said the Irish president, as chair of the council of the EU, is vigorously pursuing measures to reduce the prevalence of smoking, particularly among young people.
The Irish Medicines Board taking part in the European discussions said e-cigarettes were not regulated under medicines or medical devices legislation unless they make medicinal claims.
Currently products that are presented for use in or to assist in smoking cessation, such as patches and gum, are classified as medicines and must be authorised by the IMB before being sold in Ireland.
