It would bring the price of a pack of 20 to almost €20 and follow a €1 hike last year.

The Irish Heart Foundation wants the €1.55 rise in the price to discourage youth smoking – and says it is a myth that higher prices lead to increased smuggling.

Revenue data shows that 26pc of cigarettes smoked in Ireland are illegal – the vast majority contraband of commercial brands bought outside the country and smuggled in.

In its pre-Budget submission today the Foundation says the ‘biggest lever’ to discourage young people from starting smoking is a high tax regime.

“High taxes don’t mean high smuggling. The price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is the equivalent of almost a euro higher in the UK, but its smuggling rate is almost half of Ireland’s,” said Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy.

“Since the turn of the century, the UK has reduced the illicit market by 90pc whilst tripling the price of a pack of cigarettes.”

The WHO and World Bank say that non-price factors such as the presence of established criminal networks, social acceptance of illicit trade, the likelihood of being caught and what penalties will be imposed are far more important factors.

“If the State doesn’t put up tobacco tax, the cigarette companies will rise the price anyway, transferring revenue from the Exchequer straight onto the bottom line of big tobacco," added Mr Macey.

“As well as the health implications, the proceeds of smuggling and crime have been shown to fund people trafficking, terrorism and drug trafficking, so it is not a victimless crime.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 8th September 2025

“We need to review average sentencing and fines for cigarette smuggling; when you compare the penalties against the damage being done, the punishment doesn’t seem to fit the crime.

“And we need a tough new anti-tobacco smuggling strategy that fully resources the Revenue Commissioners to tackle this menace more effectively.”

The charity says the Government also needs to fast track last year’s promised 50c/ml tax on vapes, and an awareness campaign helping people to quit – neither of which have been rolled out.

Mr Macey said these measures are not something we can do at our leisure, adding: “Every day that goes by, more kids are going to be lost to lifelong nicotine addiction.”

Separately, the charity is also imploring the Government to fully implement the National Stroke Strategy and ensure the National Review of Cardiac Services is properly funded.

It is also seeking a free menopause-focused GP visit for women aged 45-55, including blood pressure and cholesterol screening.

On the environment front, the Irish Heart Foundation says a crucial measure should involve €200million allocated annually to the National Transport Authority to guarantee the 20pc reduction on all public transport fares and the 50pc young adult card discount is made permanent.