John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

How does minimum excise duty work? We received a presentation recently and those involved referred to the market response in terms of cigarettes, in particular the strong volume growth at the lower end of the market where there is value, in that cigarettes are being sold more cheaply. They argued that the full 50 cent excise increase is not fully evident in that sector. Is that linked to the minimum excise duty? It has never been changed. There is a flat line. More tax would be taken if the minimum level was triggered. The tax strategy group suggested increasing the minimum excise duty of €7.75 per pack, but that has not been followed.