Nicotine patches cost too much, says lobby group

Anti-smoking group Ash Ireland says it is extremely worried the high cost of nicotine replacement therapy could be discouraging people from quitting.

“Vat is being charged at 23% on nicotine replacement patches compared to a rate of 5% in the UK. This and other issues are creating a significant price differential between Ireland and the UK,” said Ash Ireland chairman, Dr Ross Morgan.

While prices vary, a week’s supply of patches can cost about €23 in Ireland, compared to €14 in Britain — a 43% difference.

“We have contacted the minister for finance and recently spoken to the minister for health on the issue, which we believe can be expediently resolved,” said Dr Morgan, who was speaking ahead National No Smoking Day today.

In a recent Dáil reply, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said a special Vat rate of 5% to match the British rate was not possible under EU rules. He pointed out that any reduction in the Vat rate would have to be considered in the context of the current 9% and 13.5% reduced rates.

However, Dr Morgan said Ash Ireland was concerned about the overall cost of the full range of nicotine replacement products. “This is perhaps due to the fact that they are only available from behind the counter in pharmacies and not available off the shelf in a range of retail outlets.”