Tax increases on regular cigarettes bring about decreases in consumption but there is strong evidence that in Ireland there is a corresponding shift to the use of loose or roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco which is taxed at a much lower rate. The use of RYO tobacco in Ireland has increased significantly from 3.5% in 2003 to 28.5% in 2016. Despite a general decline in smoking prevalence in the last two decades, prevalence is still significantly higher amongst those in lower socioeconomic groups and in young adults, and it is in these populations that RYO tobacco is primarily used.
In advance of Budget 2018, AHPI has submitted a paper to the Department of Finance & Public Expenditure and Reform, calling for an Increase in tax levels on roll-your-own tobacco until they are equivalent to those on cigarettes.
