Report recommends 50p hike in cigarette price

A new report has recommended the Government slap a 50p hike on the price of 20 cigarettes.

It's reported the measure is contained in a report by the Oireachtas Committee on Health's sub-committee on smoking.

The report claims that between 6,000 and 7,000 people each year die from the effects of tobacco.

It's recommended that the extra revenue raised through price increases be ploughed back into national strategies, one targeting young people and another for adults.

The committee, which is finalising its interim report today, is also supporting a complete ban on smoking in pubs to protect passive smokers.

The Committee also wants the Government to take legal action against tobacco companies and it is also considering whether to subpoena three leading firms before it.

Carrolls, Players and Gallaghers have so far refused an invitation to attend.