State told it must scrap minimum price on cigarettes

THE Government has been told it must scrap the minimum price it imposes on cigarettes and replace it with increased taxes.

At present, the average pre-tax price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is just €1.36, with VAT and excise duty bringing the price to about €6.26.

But under EU common market rules, the Government cannot interfere with the marketplace and must allow companies decide the price for its own products.