Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which an examination has been done of the impact on the economy in terms of inflation caused by items currently not included in the CPI, with particular reference to competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7911/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The director general of the Central Statistics Office has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index.

The CPI is designed to measure the change in the average level of the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. It measures in index form the monthly changes in the cost of purchasing a representative basket of consumer goods and services.

Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. I made no changes to indirect taxes in the budget and this will help to ensure relatively modest inflation in 2006.