The Dáil has passed the budgetary increase in tobacco.

Minister for Children Dr James Reilly said the measure was an important part of achieving a tobacco-free Ireland. He said that the cost to the health service and industry of tobacco should be borne in mind.

“And the cost to society itself, not to mention the pain, anguish and distress to individuals and to families as they watch their loved ones die from an absolutely preventable situation,’’ he added.

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins said he opposed the measure every year. "It is a monumental hyprocrisy for the Government to pretend that this is primarily a health measure,'' he said. "It is no such thing…it is yet another naked revenue grab under cover of health.''

He added that he would support genuine measures to help those addicted to nicotine.

The Government won the vote by 122 votes to 22.