Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Increased tax on cigarettes will prevent children from becoming lured into a killer addiction - Reilly

Tuesday 13th October, 2015

Minister Reilly warmly welcomed the announcement that the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes will increase by 50 cent and that a pro rata increase on all tobacco products.

“World Health Organisation research shows that a 10% price increase leads to a reduction in demand for cigarettes by 4%. Children are more sensitive to price increases. Today’s tax increase will have a significant impact in preventing children from experimenting with cigarettes and encouraging children to quit smoking.

“We are making great progress preventing our children from getting lured into this killer addiction. Almost three quarters of Irish children have never smoked. However, other countries show that we can do much better. 95% of Australian children have never smoked. Today’s announcement is the next step in matching Australia’s progress.

“Almost 4 out of 5 smokers become addicted while they are children. Protecting children from this killer addiction will ensure that we move towards a Tobacco Free Ireland.
“This is the only new tax in Budget 2016, highlighting this Government’s commitment to reduce smoking rates further".

Source: Department of Children and Youth Affairs, 13/10/15