asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) of a statement in an internationally circulated German business magazine that consumer prices in Ireland have risen since 1969 far faster than in most other European countries; if he will indicate whether this trend will continue and, if so, at what rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Consumer Prices.
75.
I have seen the press report referred to by the Deputy. I am aware of the extent to which consumer prices in Ireland have risen. I deplore this trend in our prices but, as I have said before, if costs, including in particular wages and salaries, rise faster than national output, the general level of prices will rise. If the gap between the rise in incomes and the growth of output is greater than in other countries, prices will rise faster here than in those countries.
The future position will therefore depend on our success in curbing excessive growth in money incomes and stimulating output.