ASH Ireland welcomes the indication that the Minister will be tackling the tobacco smuggling epidemic though disappointed no increase in price of tobacco.

Date: 09 December 2009

ASH Ireland Response to Budget

ASH Ireland is very disappointed that Minister Lenihan has not increased the price of tobacco in the budget. Price is regarded as the most important device in encouraging smokers to quit and discouraging young people from experimenting with tobacco.

We welcome an indication from the Minister that he will be tackling the tobacco smuggling epidemic. This is a most serious issue, which must be tackled as a priority.

Professor Luke Clancy of ASH Ireland said today, “If the tobacco smuggling issue is not tackled the market will be flooded with cheap cigarettes and this will lead to an increase in smoking prevalence with massive health consequences. The cost to the state of treating tobacco related disease annually is well over €1 billion euro – and this will increase if prevalence levels rise”.

Professor Luke Clancy went on to say, “Smuggling of tobacco into this country has now reached epidemic proportions and must be tackled head on by the government. Over 20% of cigarettes smoked in this country are non-duty paid in Ireland – so the loss in revenue to the exchequer is over €400m euro per annum. The recent ‘concerns’ expressed by the tobacco industry on this issue are interesting as this same industry has been found to be implicated in smuggling in several jurisdictions. Smuggling increases consumption and addiction and ultimately the profits of the tobacco industry”.

The Government must also invest in reducing smoking prevalence, which is currently at 29% of the population - up on the levels recorded after the workplace-smoking ban was introduced. If the investment in anti smoking measures is made, experience in other jurisdictions shows that there will be an immediate reduction in related illness and in the cost of treating tobacco related disease.

Professor Luke Clancy will be available for interview.

ENDS

ASH IRELAND IS FUNDED BY THE IRISH HEART FOUNDATION AND
IRISH CANCER SOCIETY

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