asked the Taoiseach the percentage change that has occurred in the seasonally adjusted index of retail sales between the first four months of 1980 and the second four months of that year.

The seasonally adjusted value index of retail sales increased by 0.3 per cent between the first four months of 1980 and the second four months of the same year. The volume index declined by 5.8 per cent in the same period.

Does the Minister of State accept that this indicates a serious downturn in our economy?

I do not accept any such thing. There are changes, undoubtedly.

For the worse?

There have been various changes in the economy.

A decline of 6 per cent in living standards in four months?

That is a separate question.