An increase of only 10 cents has been imposed on a packet of cigarettes in the Budget.

Also, new criteria will also be introduced for those over 70 in order to qualify for a medical card, with those on higher incomes eligible for a GP card only.

The medical cards of those with an income of €600-€700 per week for a single person and €1,200-€1,400 per week for a couple will be replaced with a GP only card.

Campaigning groups in the health sector had called for far more significant increases on tobacco than those announced today. There is to be a 50 cent increase on a packet of 'roll-your own' tobacco.

Excise duty on a pint of beer of cider is being increased by 10 cents, by 10 cents on a standard measure of spirits and by €1 on a bottle of wine.

The Irish Heart Foundation has slammed the low level of excise increase on tobacco.

It said the 10 cent increase would do nothing for the health of the Irish nation and would only serve to raise extra revenue for the Exchequer. It also pointed out that there had been no introduction of extra taxes on sugary drinks.

A property tax of 0.18% of a property's value will be payable on houses with a value up to €1 million and 0.25% for properties over this value.

It will apply from July 1 and collected by the Revenue Commissioners on the basis of the market value of properties, with a half-year's tax payable next year. There will be exemptions for purchases by first-time purchasers. A valuation guide will be produced by the Revenue Commissioners.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that the Department of Health is to get a supplementary allocation of €245 million net for this year. The health service budget has overrun despite cuts and savings measures being imposed.

The Government had previously insisted that there would be no supplementary allocation for the health service this year.