Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

What if the current average rate of inflation continues? Does the Taoiseach accept that the average rate for the first three months of this year is in the order of 5%? That is significantly greater than the 4.4% annualised increase, or 10% over 27 months, provided for under Towards 2016. What should happen if that trend continues? Has the Taoiseach specific proposals to counter the effect of prolonged inflation and the clearly devastating effects that must have on the daily living standards of workers throughout this State? Has he specific proposals in the event that that pattern is maintained, which all indicators suggest will be the case?

Why was no provision made for a review clause in this agreement? Such a clause was provided for in the previous agreement. On the same basis, no provision was made for local bargaining, which was another requirement. Does the Taoiseach not accept that he did not tolerate consideration of an ability to pay clause, as against an inability to pay clause, to counterpoise the arguments that some employers would make in their self-interest? Are workers in the very successful sectors not entitled to a reward for their endeavours and contributions to success? Does the Taoiseach agree there is an imbalance in the fundamental approach to Towards 2016, the real effects of which are biting hard on ordinary workers today? How does he propose to deal with a pattern of continuing inflation that is well in excess of the annualised increases provided for in Towards 2016?

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