A PACKET OF cigarettes will now cost an extra 50 cent. The increase was announced this afternoon as part of Budget 2022.

This is the sixth year in a row the excise duty on a packet of 20 cigarettes has been increased by that amount.

Smokers can now expect to pay €15 for a packet in the most popular price category. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe described the increase as a way of supporting Ireland’s public health policy to reduce smoking in society.

There will be a pro-rata increase on other tobacco products.

The increase is expected to be worth €56 million to the exchequer.