Mr. Ciarán Lawler:

We do have such forecasts available to us at budget time. For example, at the time budget 2022 was formulated, the rate of inflation forecast was just above 2%. We take a range of research and indicators into account when looking at changes to schemes and changes to rates. These include data and statistics on income and living conditions and the minimum essential standard of living research produced by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice. That guides and informs us as to the areas to focus on with regard to changes to schemes from one year to the next.