Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Well, the Government press secretary is there and always has been, and there is the Government Information Service, GIS, because communications are important. I can recall right throughout the pandemic the clarion call was for more communications on issues of vital importance to employers, employees, the general public and various sectors of the economy. Communications are important in that respect and information is given and presented to people.

In respect of the points made by Deputy Boyd Barrett around spiralling inflation, I agree with regard to the situation prior to the war in Ukraine but, again, security-related issues and issues in relation to the management of oil stocks and in terms of the release of oil and gas from Russia all had an impact, along with the pandemic. As economies are coming out of the pandemic, an imbalance between supply and demand has arisen. Demand rose dramatically as societies emerged from the pandemic. There was an inability to meet that with supply, and inflation occurred. It was 5.7% in February. I cannot confirm right now what the Deputy is saying in respect of it rising to 8% or 9% but that could be the case. Given what has happened in Ukraine, it is likely to increase. The Deputy is familiar with the fact that the price of a barrel of oil on the international markets has gone from $96 on 25 February to approximately $130 today.

That shows how international and global this problem is. Likewise, the UK natural gas and wholesale markets are now trading at approximately £5.70 a therm, which is a near-record high after prices more than doubled last week. This day last year, gas cost 45p a therm.

The latest Central Statistics Office data on wages show that average hourly earnings in the fourth quarter of 2021 were up 2.6% from a year earlier and were up 8.2% from the fourth quarter of 2019. The average annual consumer price index inflation rate was 2.4% in 2021 and -0.3% in 2020.

We are actively considering the situation right now because of the war in Ukraine. We took measures a couple of weeks ago to the value of €500 million. We introduced an electricity rebate and lowered the drugs payment scheme threshold. Transport charges are being reduced from the end of April, which will benefit 800,000 users. A fuel allowance lump sum payment of €125 will be paid to 390,000 recipients. Those measures will have an impact but the Government is giving active consideration to the current situation arising out of the war on Ukraine and its impact on oil prices.

Deputy Paul Murphy raised the issue of a four-day week within the public service, which we have not given consideration to. There have been various discussions and debates but in real terms I consider that this proposal is some time off yet in terms of where we are now. Full research needs to be undertaken in respect of such an initiative, which would have a very significant impact all around. We have announced an extra bank holiday the day after St. Patrick’s Day, which will be on St. Brigid’s Day every year after that. I believe I have covered all of the questions raised.

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