Poll: Are repeated tax increases on tobacco fair?

The Government wants Ireland tobacco-free by 2025 and a Budget hike on cigarettes seems likely but is it fair on smokers?

Tougher EU rules were brought in this week on cigarette packaging while menthol cigarettes were banned.

All this while Minister for Health James Reilly wants Ireland to bacco-free by 2025.

With the Budget coming this week, columnist Aaron McKenna argued this morning that the Government’s policy including tax increases on cigarettes are proving ineffective and could lead to criminals benefiting more from black market sales.

Today we ask, are repeated tax increases on tobacco fair?:

Poll Results:

Yes, smoking is an awful habit and should be taxed out of existence. (1717)

No, cigarettes are expensive enough and the government is profiting from addiction. (1499)

No, as long as smoke doesn't impact on others, smokers have a right to their habit. (1327)

Yes, they discourage smoking and pay for tobacco-related healthcare. (850)

Yes, they discourage smoking and pay for tobacco-related healthcare.
Yes, smoking is an awful habit and should be taxed out of existence.
No, cigarettes are expensive enough and the government is profiting from addiction.
No, as long as smoke doesn't impact on others, smokers have a right to their habit.

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Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

The Daily Poll

Author

Rónán Duffy

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