Bertie Ahern
Question:4 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the annual inflation rate in Ireland at the end of 1995 compared with 1994; and the way in which this compares with other countries in the EU. [2963/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Annual Inflation Rate.
The annual rate of inflation in Ireland was 2.4 per cent in November 1995, the same as in November 1994. Average inflation for the 15 EU countries in the year to December 1995 was 3.0 per cent and Ireland's inflation is currently the ninth lowest in the EU. Finland had the lowest annual rate of inflation for December 1995 with 0.3 per cent while Greece had the highest with 8.1 per cent.
Will the Minister of State indicate what position Ireland held in the league in November 1994 as against November 1995?
Ireland's inflation rate in November 1994 was 2.4, the same as in November 1995.
What was our position in the league vis-à-vis the other EU countries?
In 1994 the inflation rates were as follows: Finland 1.6 per cent, Luxembourg 2.0 per cent, Belgium 1.9 per cent, Netherlands 2.6 per cent, Germany 2.5 per cent, Denmark 2.3 per cent, Austria 2.6 per cent, France 1.6 per cent, Ireland 2.4 per cent, Sweden 2.6 per cent, United Kingdom 2.9 per cent, Portugal 4 per cent, Spain 4.3 per cent, Italy 4 per cent and Greece 10.8 per cent. In 1995 the inflation rates were as follows: Finland 0.3 per cent, Luxembourg 1.3 per cent, Belgium 1.5 per cent, Netherlands 1.6 per cent, Germany 1.8 per cent, Denmark 1.8 per cent, Austria 1.8 per cent, France 2.1 per cent, Ireland 2.4 per cent, Sweden 2.6 per cent, United Kingdom 3.2 per cent, Portugal 3.4 per cent, Spain 4.3 per cent, Italy 5.7 per cent — provisional — and Greece 8.1 per cent.
I realise it is a statistical question but the Minister of State will be aware that in relative terms our position in the league has fallen badly. Is any reason for this given in the statistical unit?
This is essentially a statistical question and policy matters ought not therefore arise. They require separate questions.
Will the Minister agree, since Deputy Ahern is too humble to ask the question, that since he left office we have slipped badly in the European inflation league?
That is the purpose of his question.
There is no question whatever of slippage. Ireland's inflation rate has remained stable while other countries have improved.
They have done better.
In relative terms we are still extremely successful and this is one of the reasons for the healthy state of the economy.
That is not the case. I will pursue the matter with the Minister for Finance.