THE PRICE OF a pack of cigarettes is due to rise after a hike in excise duty announced in today’s Budget.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he is increasing the excise duty on a pack of 20 cigarettes by 50 cents, with a pro-rata increase on other tobacco products.
This will bring the price of cigarettes in the most popular price category to €13.50.
The minister did not announce any change to excise duty on alcohol products.
John Mallon, spokesperson for the smokers’ lobby group Forest Ireland described the increase as a “massive own goal” by the government.
“Ireland is already the most expensive country in Europe to buy tobacco. Thanks to Paschal Donohoe, more smokers will buy their tobacco duty-free when they are abroad, or on the black market at home.”
However the move was welcomed by the Irish Cancer Society, which said sharp increases in the cost of cigarettes is the most effective way of getting people to quit.
“This must go side by side with proven supports for people to quit,” the charity said.
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