Tougher EU rules were brought in this week on cigarette packaging while menthol cigarettes were banned.

All this while Minister for Health James Reilly wants Ireland to bacco-free by 2025.

With the Budget coming this week, columnist Aaron McKenna argued this morning that the Government’s policy including tax increases on cigarettes are proving ineffective and could lead to criminals benefiting more from black market sales.

Today we ask, are repeated tax increases on tobacco fair?:

Poll Results:

Yes, smoking is an awful habit and should be taxed out of existence. (1717)

No, cigarettes are expensive enough and the government is profiting from addiction. (1499)

No, as long as smoke doesn't impact on others, smokers have a right to their habit. (1326)

Yes, they discourage smoking and pay for tobacco-related healthcare. (850)

Yes, they discourage smoking and pay for tobacco-related healthcare.
Yes, smoking is an awful habit and should be taxed out of existence.
No, cigarettes are expensive enough and the government is profiting from addiction.
No, as long as smoke doesn't impact on others, smokers have a right to their habit.

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Poll: Are repeated tax increases on tobacco fair?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.