Government’s answer is insult to victims of crime

FINANCE Minister Charlie McCreevy’s tax increases on cigarettes and alcopops were criticised last night for not going far enough.

Adding 35c to the cost of ready-mixed spirit-based alcopops will do nothing to tackle alcohol abuse and under-age drinking, said the Fine Gael justice spokesman, John Deasy.

Putting just 50c on a packet of 20 cigarettes was a paltry increase, according to anti-smoking lobby group, ASH Ireland.