asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether a firm decision has been reached by the Central Statistics Office concerning a new method of arriving at a comprehensive cost-of-living index figure.

Until the results of the household budget inquiry, at present being carried out, become available, no decision will be taken to alter the weighting system or the general method of arriving at the official cost-of-living index number.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary state whether he is now satisfied that the widespread dissatisfaction expressed in connection with the present method of ascertaining the cost-of-living figure is justified?

I think the Deputy is confusing the validity of the index and of the indications which it purports to give of the rise in the cost of a number of commodities. This index purports to deal only with the commodities listed by it. The survey at present being carried out will cover a number of commodities not at present included.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the Deputy's confusion is nothing in comparison with the confusion existing in the minds of the public? They believe that the present figure is a fake.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary state whether the Government has any idea of reducing the cost of living by 30 per cent. as promised by Deputy Lehane?