Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2005
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has evaluated the inflation caused by goods or services not included in the CPI such as housing costs; the extent to which the CPI would be affected if such items were included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39215/05]
View answer239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the action he proposes to take to curb inflation not reflected in the CPI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39216/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.
The director general of the Central Statistics Office, CSO, has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index, CPI.
The CPI is designed to measure the change in the average level of the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. It measures in index form the monthly changes in the cost of purchasing a representative basket of consumer goods and services.
Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. I made no changes to indirect taxes in the budget and this will help to keep a competitive inflation environment in 2006.
