asked the Taoiseach the rise in the cost of living between mid-May 1979 and mid-May 1980.

The Consumer price index, which measures the change in the overall level of consumer prices, rose by 20.2 per cent between mid-May 1979 and mid-May 1980.

Can the Minister tell us how he expects people to cope?

There are precedents for the manner in which people cope. In 1975 there was the greatest increase of all time and the people contended with it then. We are taking every step possible.

Does the Minister believe that the people whom he is now asking to cope will accept this achievement on the part of the Government?

These are statistical questions. Policy matters would have to be raised with another Minister.

To the people of the country these are more than statistics. They are their bread and butter.

Though one accepts the Deputy's concern, this year the Government insulated the old age pensioners against this much more than the Government did in 1975.

By removing the food subsidies?

Does the Minister expect this achievement to be repeated next year, between mid-May this year and mid-May next year?

Question No. 8 has gone for written reply.