The Minister Finance Michael Noonan has given his strongest indication yet that the price of cigarettes will be increased in the upcoming budget.
Mr Noonan’s remarks come as they Fine Gael party are currently holding a think-in in Limerick this week. Mr Noonan told the Irish Independent: “We may raise some taxes, obviously on health grounds. There’s always an interest in raising duty on tobacco. We won’t rule it out completely.”
A pack of 20 cigarettes currently cost in the region of 10 euro and many anti-smoking groups have been calling for minimum 50C increase in next months budget.