asked the Minister for Finance whether he will ensure that the decision to devalue will not result in an increase in ESB and CIE charges.
69.
Ceisteanna—Questions (Resumed). - Devaluation Effects.
68.
asked the Minister for Finance whether and, if so, to what extent, the decision to devalue will affect living costs; and what steps will be taken to ensure that pensioners and social welfare recipients will not suffer.
70.
asked the Minister for Finance what steps will now be taken to ensure that the decision to devalue the Irish pound will not increase the cost of living and in particular, to ensure that unjustified price increases will not take place.
71.
(South Tipperary): asked the Minister for Finance the estimated impact of the devaluation of the pound (a) on the import cost of unrefined petroleum products, (b) on the price of petrol and (c) on the cost of living.
72.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to guard against an outflow of funds from Ireland by means other than an increase in the Irish bank rate, having regard to the urgent need to stimulate the economy instead of deflating it with high interest rates.
73.
asked the Minister for Finance the principal imported commodities which are expected to rise in prices as a consequence of the devaluation of the Irish pound.
74.
asked the Minister for Finance the estimated loss in Irish external holdings of sterling following devaluation.
75.
asked the Minister for Finance whether any consultation took place with the British Government prior to the announced decision to devalue the Irish pound.
76.
asked the Minister for Finance whether any special measures are contemplated to prevent a sharp increase in the cost of living following devaluation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 to 76 together.
As I indicated in reply to similar questions yesterday, I propose to deal with the matters raised in these questions in introducing the Estimate for my Department on Tuesday next.