Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is 13.5% at present.

With regard to the process, I take on board the example given by Deputy Donnelly. This is an evolving process and I assume when we enter the process next year that it will be more thought out and robust. There is a concern, particularly as we approach Christmas, about jobs in the retail sector because they depend on the Christmas rush. There is a marked measurement of sentiment that consumption drops before budget week and increases again afterwards. In other words, people have the same amount of money at the end of November as they had at the beginning of December but they spend it far quicker after the budget. Perhaps if we get the clarity sought by Deputy Donnelly and other Members, from both sides of the House, then it may assist the process next year. Consumer confidence and consumer consumption could be assisted by the budgetary process.

I thank the Minister for attending this afternoon. I know that he must go to the Seanad and I propose that we suspend the meeting until 4 p.m when the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, will be in attendance to discuss his portfolio.