The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) today called on the Government to increase the price of a pack of cigarettes by at least a euro in an effort to encourage smokers to quit.
Almost half of smokers said they would consider giving up if a price rise was introduced, according to research by the OTC, which advises the Government on actions that should be taken to reduce or eradicate smoking or its effects.
It also called for an end to VAT charges on nicotine patches to make them more affordable for people trying to quit.
OTC chief executive Eamonn Rossi said putting up the price of a pack of 20 to over €8 was the best way to get young smokers to quit.
“The potential to influence smoking behaviour through a price increase is considerable, especially in the younger age groups,” said Mr Rossi. "An increase of a minimum of one euro will ensure that in real terms cigarettes will be far less affordable.”
The OTC, which made the recommendation in its pre-budget submission, said the extra €5 million revenue generated by the increase should be ploughed back into anti-smoking campaigns.
The Government banned the sale of packs of ten cigarettes last year in an effort to reduce under-age smoking.
However, it was criticised by anti-smoking groups after it increased the price of a pack of 20 by just 30 cent in last year’s budget.
PA