asked the Taoiseach the value of the Irish pound in 1976 in comparison with its value in each subsequent year.

The domestic purchasing value of the £ is estimated on the basis of the consumer price index.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the amounts which would have been required each year since 1976 to purchase the same quantum of goods and services at retail prices as £1 would have purchased in 1976.

Following is the statement:

Cost of Purchasing the Samequantum of Goods and Services at Retail Prices.

What is the comparative figure for this year?

The cost of purchasing the same quantity of goods and services at retail prices is £1.64.

The poor old boat is jet-propelled now.

Ceist 4.

The Minister of State is getting away lightly.

I am speaking the truth all the time.

Oh, there is a threat.