Europe's highest court has rejected a challenge to laws that could see plain packaging introduced on cigarettes.

The ruling from the European Court of Justice requires that health warnings - including a photograph - must cover 65 per cent of cigarette packaging.

A challenge to the ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes from 2020 was also rejected while a ruling banning advertising and sponsorship deals on e-cigarettes was upheld.

The Irish Cancer Society is welcoming the news saying it will save lives.

Susan Keogh has been speaking to Head of Research with the Irish Cancer Society Dr Robert O'Connor: