Nearly two out of three Irish people support a rise in tobacco prices, according to new research carried out by for the Irish Cancer Society.

The Society says it is encouraged by the results of this poll.

An increase in tobacco prices will ultimately mean fewer people will die unnecessarily as a result of smoking which is the single biggest cause of preventable death in Ireland, it said.

"The Irish Cancer Society has been calling on the Government to increase tobacco taxes for many years but they have stopped short of big increases for fear of an increase in smuggling. This is the argument of the tobacco industry," according Kathleen O'Meara, Head of Advocacy and Communications with the Cancer Society.

"However, the latest preliminary data from the Revenue Commissioners shows that the rate of illicit tobacco is continuing to fall. In 2012, 13% of all tobacco was illicit. Revenue estimates it is now 11%," she said.

The Society released the survey results the figure to coincide with World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on all countries to increase tobacco taxes to reduce tobacco consumption and save lives.