ASH welcomes fall in tobacco sales

ASH Ireland has welcomed the 17.6% drop in tobacco sales in Ireland this year.

The anti-smoking group says it is good news for the nation's health and for the economy.

It says any potential drop in revenue for the Government will be offset by savings in the health spend on tobacco-related diseases.

Professor Luke Clancy said that the Government has the added option of increasing the cost of cigarettes in the Budget and called for a €2 increase on a pack of 20.