asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that only the UK exceeded Ireland's percentage increase in the consumer price index, he has any proposals to improve Ireland's position in this regard vis-à-vis other European countries.
Written Answers. - Consumer Price Index.
150.
I assume that the Deputy has in mind recent figures of consumer price indices in OECD countries published by the OECD. A number of steps to check the rate of inflation in Ireland have been taken by the Government during the past seven months. These included the subsidies introduced in June, 1975, and also the efforts being made by the Government to secure restraint in the growth of incomes. The success of these measures so far is shown by the growth of incomes. The success of these measures so far is shown by the fact that the consumer price index in August, 1975, showed a fall of 0.8 per cent, and in November, 1975, showed a rise of only 2.8 per cent. Over the six months from May to November, 1975, the index rose by only 1.96 per cent. Only three other OECD countries have had a lower rate of increase than this country in their consumer price indices during that period.