ASH seeks cigarette tax hike

The anti-smoking group ASH Ireland has said it hopes Finance Minister Brian Cowen will increase taxes on cigarettes and tobacco in today's Budget.

Spokesman Dr Fenton Howell said: "ASH Ireland have campaigned for the Minister to put the price of fags up by €2 for a packet of 20 because what we do know is that price rises do three things.

"They significantly discourage young people from starting, they help current smokers quit and they certainly encourage ex-smokers not to return."