IHF disappointed at no increase in tobacco products

The Irish Heart Foundation has expressed disappointment at the Government’s decision not to increase tax on tobacco products.

The Foundation had recommended in partnership with ASH Ireland that €2 be added to the tax on a packet of 20 cigarettes.

The Chief Executive of the Irish Heart Foundation, Michael O’Shea, said: “Price is the greatest single disincentive to young people taking up smoking, so naturally we are disappointed. It is also an incentive to existing smokers to quit.”

“There is ample evidence to show that small increases on tobacco have little effect, but significant increases do prevent young people from starting to smoke.”