Vol. 462 No. 2
76 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland has the third highest tax on cigarettes in Europe; the plans, if any, he has to take remedial action in this regard in order to preserve jobs in the industry. [4291/96]
I am aware that the tax on cigarettes in the State is among the highest in the EU. Government policy is to maintain the highest possible level of tax on cigarettes for revenue purposes and to reinforce health policy objectives, while taking account of cross-Border prices and other factors. The tax increase of 10p imposed on the packet of 20 cigarettes with pro-rata increases on other tobacco products was determined in the light of these considerations.
