Bertie Ahern
Ceist:8 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the inflation figures over the last four quarters; and the way in which these figures compare with average inflation in the EU. [11892/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inflation Rate.
The annual rate of inflation in Ireland was 2.5 per cent in the year to August 1994, 2.4 per cent in November 1994, 2.5 per cent in February 1995 and 2.8 per cent in May 1995. This compares with average inflation rates for the 15 EU member states of 3.1 per cent in the year to August 1994, 3.0 per cent in November 1994, 3.2 per cent in February 1995 and 3.3 per cent in May 1995. The latter two figures are still provisional.
The latest figures, to mid-May, show inflation at 2.8 per cent. Does the Government accept that the target of 2.5 per cent mentioned at budget time will be missed, and that average inflation for the year will be between 2.7 per cent and 3 per cent, as has been predicted by various stockbroking firms? If the Minister of State accepts that, does he agree that contrary to the assurance given at the budget presentation that social welfare recipients would be compensated for expected price increases, old age pensioners and the unemployed have been short-changed by the miserable budget increases which have come into force? Has he any plans to amend the position over the next month or so?
The Deputy's question is essentially statistical and matters of policy ought not therefore arise.
We cannot get the Government to answer.
We move on to questions nominated for priority, to which a rigid time limit of 20 minutes applies.