Anti-tobacco group Ash Ireland has called for a €2 increase on a packet of cigarettes in the budget.
The group says the call is supported by the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation.
In a pre-budget submission to Minister for Finance Brian Cowen, Ash said it was also seeking €10 million from the Government to support quitting therapies for individuals who wish to quit smoking.
Ash Chairman Prof Luke Clancy said the price of cigarettes was "well established as the most effective means of encouraging smokers to quit and discouraging young people from experimenting with tobacco".
"Price increase in tobacco is essentially a health issue - as it impacts on smoking prevalence - and in doing so contributes to a much healthier society with less dependence on our healthcare systems," he added.
