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Michael Noonan will address the Dáil at 2.15pm and Brendan Howlin will address the Dáil at 3pm

Christmas Bonus restored by 75% in Budget 2016

The Christmas Bonus will be restored by 75% and the price of cigarettes is to increase by 50 cent in Budget 2016.

JTI says the standardised packaging law imposes stricter rules than those necessary

Tobacco firm successful in plain packaging case

Tobacco distributor JTI Ireland has been successful in its bid to prevent a referral to the Court of Justice of the EU of issues over a new law bringing in plain packaging on its products.

News • 07 Jul 15

Imperial Tobacco, the world's fourth-largest tobacco group, in talks with US cigarette firms

Imperial in talks to buy assets from US firms

Imperial Tobacco said it was in talks with Reynolds and Lorillard to acquire certain assets and brands that could be sold by the two companies.

Business • 11 Jul 14

2014 a 'complex and truly atypical' year for Philip Morris

Philip Morris cuts 2014 earnings forecast

Philip Morris International cut its earnings forecast for 2014 and said it is proving to be a "complex and truly atypical" year for the company.

Business • 26 Jun 14

The Committee heard plain packaging would discourage people from smoking

Plain cigarette packaging law 'ground-breaking'

The Chairman of Ash Ireland has said the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes would contribute towards a drop in people taking up smoking.

News • 30 Jan 14

It is 50 years since a first landmark report of its kind warned Americans that cigarettes caused lung cancer

Cigarettes more dangerous than ever - US report

Smoking cigarettes can cause even more health problems than lung cancer, including blindness, diabetes, erectile dysfunction and liver cancer, according to a major US government report.

News • 17 Jan 14

The report suggests tobacco-control measures are working

Report finds decline in smoking during pregnancy

Smoking rates among children and pregnant women have declined in the past decade, but children from disadvantaged areas are a particular risk of tobacco-related harm, according to a new report.

News • 25 Nov 13

Warnings will now cover 65% of a box of cigarettes

Tighter controls for tobacco products approved

The European Parliament has voted to tighten controls on tobacco products in order to make it harder for young people to start smoking.

News • 08 Oct 13

James Reilly wants MEPs to support more controls on tobacco industry

Government seeks MEP support on tobacco controls

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Health Minister James Reilly have intervened in a bid to ensure MEPs support tobacco control measures at the European Parliament.

News • 07 Oct 13

The aim of the European directive is to protect young people from starting to smoke

EU agrees ban on menthol cigarettes

EU health ministers have agreed a ban on menthol cigarettes as part of a strategy aimed at preventing young people from becoming addicted to tobacco.

News • 21 Jun 13

The plan promises to reduce the level of smoking by 1% a year

Reilly launches plan to improve nation's health

Minister for Health James Reilly has said he hopes to bring a memo to Cabinet shortly on plain packaging for tobacco products.

News • 29 Mar 13

In December, Australia put all tobacco products in standardised packs

UK may bring in plain packaging for cigarettes

British ministers could announce plans to introduce plain packets for cigarettes later this year, reports suggest.

News • 06 Mar 13

It is hoped that smokers will consider quitting

Graphic new warnings for cigarette packages

All cigarette packets produced for the Irish market will now carry graphic photographs with a strong health warning.

News • 01 Feb 13

Brendan Howlin and Michael Noonan took questions from the public on the Today with Pat Kenny programme

Govt defends cuts to respite care grants

The Government has been criticised by the Opposition for the cut in respite care grants announced in the Budget yesterday.

News • 06 Dec 12

Imperial Tobacco boosted by key brands

New products and price ranges helped Imperial Tobacco to boost sales of its key brands and post an 8% rise in annual earnings per share.

Business • 30 Oct 12

Imperial Tobacco sales boosted by price rises

Price rises helped lift Imperial Tobacco's full-year revenue and offset a dip in volumes.

Business • 20 Sep 12

EU considering cigarette logo ban to deter smoking

The European Union is considering banning logos on cigarette packs as part of an upcoming review of its law to deter smoking, a spokesman said today.

Business • 16 Aug 12

Australian court upholds cigarette pack logo ban

Australia's highest court upheld the world's toughest law on cigarette promotion today, prohibiting tobacco company logos on cigarette packs.

Business • 15 Aug 12

Call for higher tax on 'roll-your-own' cigarettes

Radically increasing the tax rate on all tobacco products is the most effective way to reduce smoking according to a three-year study published in Brussels today.

News • 26 Apr 12

Revenue not expecting swift cigarette prosecutions

It could be some months before prosecutions are brought following yesterday's massive illegal cigarette seizure at Dublin Port, according to Revenue.

News • 13 Apr 12

The cigarettes represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of €13.1m

38 million cigarettes seized at Dublin Port

38 million cigarettes with a retail value of €14.7m have been seized by customs officers in Dublin Port.