BUDGET 2025: Campaigners have slammed the announcement of a €1 increase on the excise duty on a packet of 20 cigarettes, and a pro-rata increase on other tobacco products.

The increase will push the cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes in the most popular price category above €18 for the first time.

Simon Clark, director of Forest, described the decision as “brutal” and said law-abiding smokers were being “discriminated” against.

“Smoking is a legitimate habit. This brutal hike in the cost of cigarettes will drive more smokers to the black market and fuel illicit trade.

“Law-abiding consumers, many of whom are on low incomes, will be unfairly discriminated against, and some may be forced further into poverty.

“It’s hard to imagine a more punitive or counter-productive measure because the only people who will benefit are criminal gangs and illicit traders.”