asked the Taoiseach the rise in the consumer price index over the past 12 months.

The consumer price index rose by 16.0 per cent between mid-November 1978 and mid-November 1979, which is the latest 12-month period for which information is available.

13.

asked the Taoiseach the estimated increase in the consumer price index during the period mid-November 1979 to mid-February 1980.

The consumer price index for mid-February 1980 is not yet available. The collection of the basic information on which the index is based has just been completed. It is expected that the results will become available in a month's time.

Every dog in the country knows that it will be around 4 per cent. I have asked the Minister for the estimated increase and surely he must be able to hazard a guess.

This is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Is the Price Monitoring Unit no longer in existence under this Government?

I suggest again that this would be a matter for the Minister for Finance.

It is a statistical question. The Price Monitoring Unit is under the Minister for Finance.

I have answered the question which was put down and will do so again if the Deputy wishes. The consumer price index for mid-February 1980 is not yet available.

Would the Minister read the question again?

Is the Minister of State aware of the existence of the Price Monitoring Unit? Is it still in existence or has it been disbanded?

The Deputy's constituency jealousy is showing.

The Taoiseach will have to explain that to me afterwards since I missed it.

Could the Minister give the estimated increase for the quarter?

I gave the information which was asked. If the Deputy wishes further information he should put down a separate question.