Sir, - Recent media speculation and political comment appear to suggest a sharp decline in tax revenue. This of course will have serious implications for the Government in its efforts to sustain support for a range of services, including the health service.
Can I suggest to Minister McCreevy and the Government that the time is right to significantly increase the price of cigarettes and tobacco - in the next Budget. A significant public health and revenue-gathering opportunity was lost last year when the Minister declined to increase the price of tobacco products.
Minister McCreevy should consider increasing the price of a pack of 20 by at least two euro in the December Budget. This move will save thousands of Irish lives and will generate hundreds of million of euro for our cash-strapped health service and other areas. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Fenton Howell, Chairperson, ASH Ireland, Dublin 4.