Smuggling risk should not stop tobacco tax hike, urges lobby

FEAR of encouraging illegal trading in cigarettes should not deter the Government from taxing tobacco in next month’s emergency budget, pro-health and anti-tobacco groups have urged.

The Irish Cancer Society (ICS), ASH Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation have joined forces to press for a e2 increase in tobacco tax.

Chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society John McCormack said the Government had a duty of care to young people, who were a particular target of both the tobacco companies and organised criminals.