Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
572. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the sale of larger boxes of cigarettes non-20-pack cigarettes constitutes promotional pricing; and if they are distorting demand for cigarettes upwards. [19309/23]
View answer573. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to a unit price per cigarette, or if the pricing of larger boxes will be set as a derivative of the price of a 20-pack of cigarettes to ensure against promotional pricing. [19310/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 573 together.
While pricing matters generally are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance, we continue to work together to ensure that public health impacts are central to considerations in relation to tobacco pricing.
In relation to the sale of cigarette packets containing more than 20 cigarettes, there is a lack of sufficient evidence that such packets impact on consumption or prevalence and therefore on public health. We will continue to monitor the emerging evidence and will take action if it becomes clear that it will have a public health benefit.
