The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has commenced a new analysis of tobacco affordability in Ireland, following a request from the Chief Medical Officer. The findings will support the Department of Health in assessing how the affordability of tobacco products influences smoking behaviour and tobacco control policy.
The analysis will examine how tobacco affordability is currently measured, compare Ireland’s position with other EU countries and the UK, and explore whether alternative indicators could provide a more accurate picture of affordability. While Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is commonly used internationally, HIQA notes that it may not always reflect the true purchasing power of Irish households.
Tobacco affordability is recognised as a key factor in smoking uptake and continued tobacco use. The World Health Organization identifies taxation that exceeds both inflation and income growth as one of the most effective tobacco control measures. Higher tobacco prices, combined with public health warnings and advertising restrictions, help reduce smoking initiation and encourage quitting.
Recent data show that smoking prevalence among people aged 15 years and older in Ireland has remained relatively unchanged at 17% to 18% between 2019 and 2025. During this period, the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes increased by 24% through taxation, while average weekly earnings rose by 28%, highlighting the importance of understanding affordability trends.
HIQA’s analysis will consider measures such as household disposable income, wage growth and household expenditure alongside GDP to provide a fuller understanding of tobacco affordability. A final report will be submitted to the Chief Medical Officer and the Department of Health to inform future policy and decision-making
More information is available at https://www.hiqa.ie/hiqa-news-updates/hiqa-commences-analysis-tobacco-affordability-ireland