Sir, – John Mallon (September 11th) accuses the Irish Cancer Society of appearing to be “out of touch with reality” in regard to tobacco prices and smuggling. This is not so.
Mr Mallon, who regularly presents views which are strikingly similar to those of the tobacco industry, should be aware that price increase and the maintenance of high prices on tobacco products are accepted internationally as the most effective devices in encouraging smokers to quit and discouraging young people from commencing the smoking habit. Smuggling is a separate criminal issue.
The reality in regard to smoking in this country is that approximately 5,500 people die from the related effects every year – and it is estimated that €1.5 billion is spent on treating tobacco-related illness annually. – Yours, etc,