The Minister for Health Simon Harris has said that he plans to introduce a ban on cigarette vending machines.
In an announcement made on Monday, Minister Harris said that new proposals will effectively ban the sale of cigarettes from machines in public places.
The move comes as the Health Minister also outlined plans to ban the sale of e-cigarette products to under 18s.
Minister Harris who claimed that the ban will have public opinion on his side, said that such bans should be introduced given the potential health effects smoking has on people especially those under the age of 18.
Although the ban is expected to face strong opposition from lobbyists, the Health Minister said the ban would work to stop the sale of tobacco products to children under the age of 18.