Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 12, between lines 7 and 8, to insert the following:“(8) Where, pursuant to an initial review or a review under subsection (3), the Minister is of the opinion that an alternative index would not be more suitable for the purpose of the annual adjustment of the amount of payments provided for under periodic payments orders, he or she shall cause to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas a statement of reasons why he or she has formed this opinion.”.

This is a relatively simple and not hugely controversial amendment. It stipulates that the Minister would have to provide reasons for not ordering an alternative index to be used following the review of the harmonized index of consumer prices, HICP. What can one say about such a straightforward amendment? If the Minister and the Government think the index is fine, it should not be left at that, rather the Minister should outline the reasons for forming that opinion. In view of the seriousness of the issue, the Oireachtas and the public need and deserve to know why the Minister decided not to use an alternative index. I do not think it is too much to ask for an explanation to be provided. It is a very simple accountability mechanism rather than anything else. It is hardly a big deal that, if the index is not being changed, the reasons for that decision be outlined.

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