A councillor in Cork has criticised the latest budget for failing to come down hard enough on the vaping industry. The councillor had wanted measures in the budget that would squeeze vape products and sellers noticeably harder. In their view, the fiscal plan misses a chance to tax e-cigarettes in a way that matches the concerns around them. Vaping has become a recurring worry for elected representatives, largely because of its popularity among young people. The criticism signals a push for heavier levies or tighter rules on the sector in future rounds. As things stand, the industry came through this budget without the harder treatment the councillor wanted. The exchange suggests the argument over how public finances should treat vape products is still very much alive.