Lobbying can support democratic governance, but when unchecked, lobbying can undermine public health interests, particularly in tobacco control. For almost a decade, Ireland has regulated lobbying but has yet to fully implement Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), in the context of its declared tobacco endgame goal. This study examined the extent, nature and targets of registered lobbying activities related to smoking and vaping in Ireland from 2016 to 2024.
Data were extracted from the publicly accessible Irish Lobbying Register using keywords pertinent to tobacco and vaping. Each submission was analysed and categorised by lobbying entity, purpose, communication method and designated public officials (DPOs) targeted. Quantitative descriptive statistics identified trends and thematic analysis explored lobbying content.
A total of 511 lobbying submissions were registered by 39 entities. Health-related policies dominated lobbying activities (64%), followed by trade (13%) and taxation (7%). Vape Business Ireland, Japan Tobacco International Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation were the most active lobbying groups. Tobacco industry efforts often relied on third-party organisations, a high proportion of which led to meetings. Lobbying targeted 481 individual DPOs. Newer industry arguments to shape the regulation of e-cigarettes appeared alongside well-worn tactics to subvert taxation.
Despite Ireland’s well-established lobbying regulation, the tobacco and vaping industries maintain a persistent and influential presence within policymaking circles, often overshadowing health advocates. While necessary, transparency mechanisms alone are insufficient and must be complemented by comprehensive implementation of FCTC Article 5.3 to build a pathway for tobacco endgame.