You might be right, my gut tells me the the Revenue finding that suggested a fall in consumption was more likely with increased taxation is closer to the truth.IMO we’re now at the point where any increase in duty will simply result in a fall in revenue with no corresponding fall in consumption.
In the case of smoking, I see no harm in virtue signalling though. Indeed, what's wrong with a government we elected highlighting that they concur with the moral consensus? It's also good that they're in the headlines again and children can be reminded of the well proven dangers.