The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) proposes raising the price of 20 cigarettes to about €8.50, with similar price rises on cigars and "roll-your-own tobacco". The group has also called for the VAT to be dropped on nicotine-replacement therapy products.
The OTC said €5m could be generated under the plans, some of which would be used to fund anti-smoking initiatives.
The anti-smoking group´s chief executive, Eamonn Rossi, said the move would also allow more smokers to pay for patches to help them give up their addiction. He said the extra cost of a packet of cigarettes would also work as a deterrent against smoking.
"It is estimated that over 95pc of smokers who quit before the age of 30 years will avoid a tobacco-related death," he said.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/antismoking-body-urges... |
