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Ash Ireland has called for a €2 increase in the price of a packet of cigarettes to be introduced in the forthcoming budget.

In a pre-budget submission, the campaign group called on Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan to levy the extra tax in order to deter people from smoking.

Ash Ireland chairperson Dr Angie Brown said price is the most effective means of encouraging smokers to quit and discouraging young people from starting smoking.

“Our main concern is that after so much success with workplace smoking legislation - we could now allow smoking prevalence in Ireland to increase - and there is evidence to support this emerging trend,” Dr Brown added.

“The Government has set its goal as a Tobacco Free Society and if this is to be achieved, regular and substantial increases on all tobacco products must be part and parcel of Government policy.”

Ash said the price increase will be supported by other health sector groups, such as the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation.

In addition to the price levy, Ash is seeking an additional €10 million from the Government to help fund programmes for those who are trying to quit smoking.

It also wants the Government to commit a further €10 million towards highlighting the forthcoming changes in the Public Health (Tobacco) legislation, which will include a ban on the promotion and advertising of tobacco products in retail outlets.