Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I understand the view expressed by Senator Ó Clochartaigh, the other dimension is the cost to the State as a result of people smoking. Statistics across the world show the only way to combat smoking, which leads to lung disease is by increasing the cost of tobacco. I know the practice of illegal importation of cigarettes from other parts of the world causes difficulties for the Government. The loss of excise revenue to the Exchequer is substantial. One argument is that if the Government keeps increasing the price of cigarettes, people will go to illegal outlets to buy them.

I fully support the Government's action to increase excise duty. In fairness, although I am not sure it is doing so for altruistic reasons, all governments are aware of the impact of smoking on health. As the cost of cigarettes rises, it is less likely that people will start to smoke and therefore are less likely to get smoking related diseases. This will be of incalculable benefit to society and to the Exchequer.