More needs to be done to help smokers quit, charity says

The only way to shift Ireland’s high smoking rate is through higher cigarette prices, according to the Irish Heart Foundation.

Ireland’s national heart charity has said more needs to be done to help smokers quit, including increasing the duty on a pack of cigarettes by five per cent in Budget 2027 and beyond.

The charity says that although our smoking rates remain among the lowest in Europe, they have stalled since 2019.

Since 2023, there has been a nine per cent increase in smuggling rates for tobacco products, and the Heart Foundation has called for a strong response from a revenue and a health perspective.

The charity made a pre-budget submission and in it made reference to the World Health Organisation’s research, showing excise duty on tobacco products to be the most effective way to reduce use.

Mark Murphy, interim Director of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation, said: “A dedicated anti-tobacco smuggling strategy – the first in Ireland since 2013 – is urgently needed.

“The need for this is demonstrated by the success of the UK, which has reduced its smuggling rate to 13.8% - virtually half that of Ireland - even with higher cigarette prices than ours.

“Cardiovascular disease, comprising heart disease and stroke, is responsible for almost 10,000 deaths in Ireland - or roughly 30% of yearly deaths.

“Around 80% of early heart disease and stroke is preventable - the State has an obligation to shape a healthier and more supportive environment in Ireland.”