Ms Claire Gordon:

The difficulty is that illicit importers do not fill out forms. As a result, a lot of this is estimated. There is no real way to tell. I am sure that Revenue has its own methodologies but the figure was definitely lower than 15% at a certain point and is now increasing. From our perspective, there is an argument that the price cannot be increased too much or people will go to the illicit market. As Ms Brophy said, there is evidence that increasing the price is an effective way to make people decide to quit. The more expensive it becomes, the more impetus there is for a smoker to think about quitting. That is one of the most powerful tools across the globe. It is not just an Irish concept. Raising prices is the best way to reduce harm. It is absolutely the case that persons on lower incomes are affected more by this measure but persons on lower incomes are also those carrying more of the burden of disease from tobacco. When people say that those who are experiencing hard times should be left with their smoke because it is the only treat they have, they are essentially saying that it is okay to leave that person to illness and death. That is what they are saying. I understand perfectly why that comment is made but, from our point of view, we have seen the devastation smoking causes. The WHO says that 14% of cases of Alzheimer's disease across the world are caused by tobacco. I am referring to dementia.

The width of disease that comes from this product is unbelievable. Every system in the body - reproductive, respiratory, cardiovascular, you name it - is affected. When I hear it said that it is not fair on people on lower incomes, I think this is the only way to help those on lower incomes because illness causes poverty and poverty causes illness. It is to try to get the push over-----