Ash Ireland has urged the Irish Government to take the lead of its Australian counterpart and introduce plain packaging on cigarettes and tobacco products.

Legislation introducing plain packaging took effect in Australia last weekend.

Ash Ireland said the Australian Government deserves immense credit for proceeding with this ground-breaking health initiative, despite the strenuous efforts of the tobacco industry to block it.

Dr Ross Morgan of Ash Ireland said it was now imperative that the momentum achieved by Australia be continued in all European countries including Ireland.

He said Ash Ireland had already written to Health Minister James Reilly asking that he now commence the process of introducing plain packaging on all tobacco products on sale in this country. Significant price hikes on tobacco have been predicted in Budget 2013, which will be unveiled this week.

Anti-smoking campaign groups argue that the single most effective deterrent preventing young people from smoking is the cost, and every increase in cigarette prices is accompanied by a decline in the numbers smoking.