Call for 60c on packet of cigarettes and tobacco regulator
Health groups have called for a 60c increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes in next month’s Budget.
The Irish Cancer Society and Irish Heart Foundation say a tax “escalator” of 5 per cent above the rate of inflation should apply in the case of tobacco products. This would amount to a 60c rise or a pack of 20 cigarettes, they told the Oireachtas Health committee this morning.
The two organizations also called for the appointment of a tobacco regulator to curb the “excessive” profits of the tobacco industry, and claimed this could yield additional tax revenue of €65 million a year.
Kathleen O’Meara, head of advocacy of the ICS, said tax receipts from the industry last year were €1.42 billion, less than the €2 billion cost of the health effects of smoking to society.
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