asked the Taoiseach the rise in the cost of living during each of the following periods: mid-February, 1973 to mid-February, 1977, mid-February, 1974 to mid-February, 1977, mid-February, 1975 to mid-February 1977, and mid-February, 1976 to mid-February, 1977.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Living.
4.
The following are the percentage increases in the consumer price index over the periods specified:
|
Periods |
% Increase |
|
Mid-February, 1973 to mid-February, 1977 |
+90.3 per cent. |
|
,, 1974,, ,, ,, |
+67.7 ,, ,, |
|
,, 1975,, ,, ,, |
+35.4 ,, ,, |
|
,, 1976,, ,, ,, |
+16.7 ,, ,, |
Can the Minister give an indication of an anticipation of the increase for the coming months?
I would be of opinion, based on everything that can be gauged from informations in the hands of the Government, that there will be a much lesser increase.
Is the Minister ignoring the EEC projection in which he now takes a prominent part?
I am not ignoring any projections but I am saying that on the information available to the Government it is anticipated that increases will be much less.
The indications are that from the years 1973 to 1977 the people are 90 per cent worse off. Is that to be taken from the Minister's reply?
I would not draw that conclusion. The matter refers to the consumer price index.