A leading oncologist and Senator has called for a 99% tax on the profits of tobacco companies.

The call comes after new figures showed the number of people who smoke in Ireland fell by 70,000 last year.

According to the HSE, the rate is down to less than One-in-Five of people over 15; down from 21.5% in 2013.

The figures come as JTI Ireland, the owner of the Benson and Hedges and Silk Cut brands, have vowed to legally challenge plain packaging proposals.

Earlier this week it was reported, that one of the world’s largest tobacco firms, JTI Ireland, told the Government to immediately halt plain packaging legislation in the Dáil or face a High Court claim for damages. The company has alleged that the State has no right to enact the draft law.

Professor John Crown spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning and he says the Government should do more to challenge the tobacco industry.