The Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has called on the Minister for Finance to tackle alcohol abuse, smoking and obesity in next week's Budget.

The Faculty, which represents specialists in public health medicine, says the Budget can can make a significant improvement to Ireland's health by addressing the harm caused by alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks through a range of practical, evidence-based measures.

It wants a minimum of 60 cents put onto the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The Faculty also wants a minimum pricing structure for alcohol and an increase in excise duty, with higher increases on spirits.

Dr Fenton Howell, Faculty spokesperson on smoking, said, a significant proportion of the tax increase should be used to enhance the funding for the HSE's QUIT campaign and smoking cessation services.

Dr Declan Bedford, faculty spokesperson on alcohol, said the extent of our alcohol problem is such that we urgently need to reduce the amount we, as a nation, drink. "International research has shown that the introduction of minimum pricing and increases on excise duty is the best way of achieving this."

Public health specialsits are also calling for the introduction of a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened drinks and a subsidy on healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits.

The Faculty is also calling on the Government to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations contained in the National Substance Misuse Strategy, published in February 2012 by the Department of Health, which provides an overall framework for reducing alcohol harm in Ireland.