Councillor Lindsay McClaren Welcomes Northern Ireland Unionist Party's Vaping Policy

Lindsay McClaren: "I am pleased that the Northern Ireland Unionist Party has put forward a policy statement addressing the growing concerns regarding e-cigarettes and disposable e-cigarettes. By doing so, we highlight the key issues that have already been identified and open the debate on how to address this growing problem. I know that many people and management agencies within Ards and North Down share these concerns, particularly regarding the use of e-cigarettes by children and teenagers. Therefore, I am glad to have proposed a motion in the council that not only raises awareness of this issue but also empowers the council to promote discussion and seek solutions for the health and well-being of residents in the county.

Initially, e-cigarettes were primarily used through refillable devices and marketed as aids to help quit smoking tobacco, but the trend has now shifted towards disposable e-cigarettes, which entered the market in 2021. These e-cigarettes are easier to use, widely available, come in attractive colors and flavors, and are affordable. The cheapest ones retail for around £4, and they are now widely used by children, who find all these factors appealing. It has become commonplace to see teenagers holding, smoking, and purchasing them in local shops. Far from being used as cessation devices, they have now become almost as essential as mobile phones. In Northern Ireland, there is currently very little legislation regarding e-cigarettes, and although there is an age restriction on purchasing them, they inevitably fall into the hands of children.

A recent series of shocking incidents involving children fainting after using e-cigarettes has raised concerns among parents and schools about children's safety. When there are vulnerable and easily influenced groups in society, it is inevitable that bad actors will try to exploit them. Drug dealers have introduced an illegal synthetic drug known as “spice” into the mix, enticing children in Bangor and surrounding towns to try adding “spice” to their e-cigarettes. This has led to disastrous consequences. Recently, children have fainted after vaping e-cigarettes containing “spice” and required emergency medical assistance. If we do not urgently address this issue, the situation will only worsen.

I have heard the concerns of parents, school principals, and police from the communities in my Hollywood and Clonard Boy constituencies regarding this issue. What children do not realize is that when they illegally purchase e-cigarettes, more importantly, when they buy spice to vape, they expose themselves to recorded drug offenses that could have devastating consequences for their future employment prospects and education. Additionally, this places an extra heavy burden on schools to monitor and address this issue on campus. Reports indicate that e-cigarettes can be purchased through online food delivery apps, from countries outside the UK, and through adults willing to purchase on behalf of young people. Therefore, it is understandable that parents are concerned that the situation has spiraled out of control.

Disposable e-cigarettes also pose a significant environmental risk, with approximately 5 million e-cigarettes being discarded in the UK each week. They contain lithium batteries, which also present recycling challenges. The next time you leave your local grocery store, take a look at the trash can and see how many small e-cigarette stickers are stuck to it; that will give you an idea of how many e-cigarettes are being sold!

I call on the council to conduct a comprehensive review to address my party's concerns and strengthen enforcement regarding the import and sale of e-cigarettes. I urge a ban on the import of illegal e-cigarettes from regions without regulation and ingredient restrictions. Finally, I call on Strongmont to propose legislation at the first available opportunity to implement regulations. We must ensure that protecting the safety and well-being of our young children is a top priority. As a mother of four, I fully understand the peer pressure children face, but by attempting to raise awareness of the dangers of disposable e-cigarettes, we can alleviate some of the pressure they face and ultimately ensure their health is not compromised before they reach adulthood."