Campaign underway for 50c hike in cigarette costs

The campaign to introduce a 50c levy on a pack of 20 cigarettes on Budget day is gathering momentum.

The Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation are using their pre-Budget submissions to highlight that the move would generate €85m for the Exchequer.

Sixteen people die of smoking-related illnesses in Ireland every day.

Spokesperson for the Irish Cancer Society Kathleen O'Meara said increasing the cost would also discourage young people from taking up the habit.