Cigarettes up by 25c per pack of 20

Charlie McCreevy has said that the "goal of keeping inflation low sets a precendent on this occasion" in the area of on indirect taxation.

Charlie McCreevy has said that the "goal of keeping inflation low sets a precedent on this occasion" in the area of on indirect taxation.

Cigarettes are to rise by 25c on packs of 20 from midnight tonight, which should add an extra €43m to the Exchequer.

Any increases in public spending are to be funded by increased tax or consumer charges where appropriate, the Minister said.

"High tax rates destroy jobs now and in the future," McCreevy added.