CPI keeps downward pressure on tobacco prices

ASH Ireland continues to campaign for the removal of tobacco products from the basket of items, which are used to measure the Consumer Price Index (C.P.I.). This has been done in other European countries.

This concept has met with opposition from trade unions who consider that tobacco price should remain in the C.P.I, as it is a consumer product, which is purchased by about a quarter of all adults in Ireland.

The inclusion of tobacco in the CPI has meant that the Government has been reluctant to increase tobacco prices significantly, as this adds to the inflation rate, which subsequently increases wage demands. ASH is currently in contact with the Department of Finance and Department of Health and Children on this issue. We have also met with the Irish Congress of Trades Unions concerning this issue.