Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I wish to raise the issue of the spiralling cost of living. I ask the Leader to arrange for either the Tánaiste or the Minister for Finance to come before the House to debate the issue. Ireland is rapidly becoming one of the most expensive countries in the European Union. I compliment Senator Leyden on his name and shame list and his endeavours in this regard in recent weeks. However, I suggest that the Senator should add one further group to the list, namely, the Government. Half of the increased costs over the past 12 months are directly attributable to the Government.