Dr Bobby Smyth told The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk, that HHC is being used “by a growing minority of young people who seem to buy it with impunity.”

Stephen Donnelly said it is a measure to protect children and young people, following a rise in the number of teenagers who are vaping.

The Government is expected to approve measures to ban the sale, manufacture or import of single-use or disposable vapes

The products are suspected to contain illegal cannabinoids, including THC, HHC and HHCP.

The Irish Heart Foundation said a targeted quitting service was needed to meet the demand of people wanting to quit vaping.

The new UK Bill will need the approval of the Stormont Assembly

In a pre-budget submission, the Department of Health said a balance need to be struck to discourage young people from vaping, while also supporting smokers who wish to quit

The proposed legislation would also bring new measures around advertising and establish a licensing system for retailers