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The price of a packet of cigarettes is going up 50c from midnight tonight

A 20-packet of a popular brand will now cost smokers €12.

MINISTER FOR FINANCE Paschal Donohoe has said that the price of a packet of cigarettes is set to increase from midnight tonight.

Alongside details of increases to the health budget and a sugar tax on fizzy drinks, Donohoe said that the price of a 20-pack of cigarettes will increase by 50c.

This will put the price of a regular brand packet of 20 to €12.

This measure has met with mixed response.

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Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Ireland welcomed the move.

Its chairman Patrick Dooley said: “If the government is to achieve its objective of establishing a smoke free Ireland by 2025 then it must consistently increase the price of tobacco.

Significant inroads have been made in regard to smoking prevalence over the past 13 years with current levels down to less than 20%, down from 29% in 2003.

Smokers’ group Forest Ireland were not happy however.

Its spokesperson John Mallon said: “Ireland is already the most expensive place in Europe to buy tobacco.

Raising the price of cigarettes for the sixth consecutive budget is unfair because it disproportionately hurts those on lower incomes.

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    Mute WinstonSmith
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    Sep 4th 2018, 2:57 PM

    Terrible news. People who hit and run in an accident which they know likely caused a serious injury or death should receive a mandatory minimum.

    But I’m not sure what the killer ran away from the scene is worried about. A letter from his primary school teacher that he was a ‘good boy’ would ensure he got a 3 week suspended sentence. He might get a month-long suspended sentence if he is caught now.

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    Mute John Flood
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    Sep 5th 2018, 10:16 AM

    I hope the driver is caught soon. And a heavy sentence is handed out by the court.

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