ASH Ireland concerned over EU Court of Justice Ruling

Date: 04 March 2010

Statement from ASH Ireland, EU Court of Justice Ruling

ASH Ireland is extremely concerned with an EU Court of Justice ruling today that finds Irish legislation, which fixes a minimum price on tobacco, is infringing EU law.

Dr Angie Brown said, “We will be in contact with the government on this vitally important matter. Ireland has and is permitted to have a separate tax regime to all other EU countries - and it is our view that the government has every right to apply taxes which ensures that tobacco is sold at current and even higher prices”.

Dr Angie Brown went on to say, “Price is well established as the most important measure in encouraging smokers to quit and discouraging young people from starting to smoke and we must always bear this in mind when legislating on tobacco price. Smoking kills 7,000 people in this country each year and costs the exchequer over €1 billion in treating tobacco related illness and disease – and we must ensure than neither of these alarming statistics are increased”.

ENDS

Further information contact:
Wally Young, Young Communications, 01 6680530, 087 2471520

The Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation fund ASH Ireland