Ahern says increase in price of cigarettes a health issue

Financial relations debate:The 50 cent increase in the cost of 20 cigarettes was a health issue, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dáil last night.

Speaking during the debate on financial relations, Mr Ahern said the excise duty on tobacco products, which took effect from midnight, would bring the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes to €7.05.

"It will ensure that taxation policy will continue to play a key part, along with the work of the Department of Health and Children and the Office of Tobacco Control, in discouraging smoking. It is particularly the case among young smokers where price sensitivities are greatest." Seán Ardagh (FF, Dublin South Central) said that the cost of 20 cigarettes would represent a significant deterrent for young people to smoke.

Cigarettes generated a great deal of money for the Exchequer, but the idea behind the increase was to deal with health issues such as reducing the number of cancers and heart disease.

He added that the Irish Cancer Society had sought a €2 increase on the cost of a 20 pack. "I am sure that the Minister for Finance would have liked to have increased them by €2 for no other reason than the health of people in this country." Mr Ardagh said the price of cigarettes should be taken out of the rate of increase of the Consumer Price Index.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said Mr Ardagh was right about the scientific evidence relating to the damage to health caused by smoking, but the increase was not an immaterial consideration for the senior citizen who had long since become addicted.

"It will be painful, but on the scientific evidence, and the fact that we want to encourage people to stop smoking, it is very hard to muster any argument against it."