Anti-smoking group wants bigger cigarette price increases

The Government is again being criticised by anti-smoking groups, despite introducing a 50c increase on tobacco in the recent Budget.

ASH Ireland has welcoming the move, but believes a much more significant increase is required in 2007 to make a real difference.

Every year the Government spends €1bn on health services related to smoking. Chairman of ASH, Professor Luke Clancy says this is a scandal.

“One thing that has to happen is that nobody new starts smoking,” he said. “The most significant thing is price - so that has to be the cornerstone of preventing people starting,” he said.