ASH: Cigarettes now cheaper than UK

The zero increase in cigarette tax has left cigarettes here cheaper than in Britain, it was claimed tonight.

Anti Smoking and Health (ASH) Ireland said it was bitterly disappointed that Minister for Finance Brian Cowen had rejected its proposal for a €2 increase in the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes.

“Price increase is established internationally as the single most important factor in encouraging smokers to quit and discouraging young people from experimenting with tobacco,” said spokesman Professor Luke Clancy.

There are 7,000 tobacco-related deaths in Ireland annually.

Professor Clancy said people needed very assistance in confronting the scourge of nicotine and added that the fear of inflation was no justification for the Government’s approach.

Mr Cowen’s decision to leave tobacco taxes untouched was identical to his approach in last year’s budget. He also did not announce any increases in excise duty on alcohol.

The Irish Medical Organisation said this was contrary to the report of the Strategic Task on Alcohol, which recommended a rise in taxes to reduce the level of consumption and alcohol-related harm.

“I am aghast that he has neglected to increase the excise duty on alcohol. An increase would have been most helpful in funding the facilities which are urgently needed for alcohol treatment programmes,” said president Dr Asam Ishtiaq.

The Vinters Federation of Ireland, which represents around 6,000 rural publicans, said it was disappointed by the failure to reduce alcohol taxes.

“Ireland has the second highest tax on wine and beer in the EU and fifth highest tax on spirits. Contrary to popular belief, most price increases are beyond the control of the publican,” said president Seamus O’Donoghue.

He said the failure to reduce alcohol taxes would undermine Ireland’s competitiveness, especially in the tourism sector.