Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will try not to. I want to speak to Financial Resolution No. 1 on the increase in the price of cigarettes and tobacco products. This is not a popular thing to say but I am completely opposed to such a hike in the cost of cigarettes. I believe it is vindictive. It will not deliver the stated ambition of the Government. Yes, rates of smoking dropped from 27% in 2024 to 17% in 2019. This was due to the smoking ban, increased costs and other societal factors. Between 2019 and 2024 the rate increased by 1% despite the fact that prices increased by more than 34%. When we take into account that smokers suffer from the cost of living also, we are getting to the point of diminishing returns. I do not see how the Minister can justify a measure that will undoubtedly lead to increased prevalence of the black market and will penalise those people who are already smoking and who need our support rather than being penalised. I must also put on the record that the decision by the Government to put a charge on vapes is daft. I am a former smoker myself. Vaping helped me to come off cigarettes. It is a benefit. Yes, we want to prevent young people from beginning to vape but for those who smoke vaping is the best route out of it. We should support it as a better alternative rather than penalising people for making that choice.

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