Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Issues such as that raised by Deputy Rabbitte will be dealt with by agreement. The Government is trying to reduce the number of people smoking for health reasons. There is an ongoing debate on how tobacco should be treated in the methodology by which the CPI is calculated. The issue may come up for discussion by agreement. It is important to note that in 2000, tobacco accounted for 3.6% of total expenditure, whereas in 2005, the figure had declined to2.6%. Government policies, for example, the introduction of the smoking ban in public places and health awareness programmes, have had an impact. Underlying this discussion are the health implications of smoking for members of the public. The consumer price index is based on independent data. With regard to further negotiations the matter would require agreement in the context of new negotiations in the partnership process.

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