Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Taoiseach the date of the last meeting of the anti-inflation working group; when it will meet again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11677/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Taoiseach the recommendations made by the anti-inflation working group; if he will provide a progress report on the implementation of such recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11678/08]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

The Anti-Inflation Group, reconstituted under Towards 2016, has met four times since the ratification of the Agreement and the last formal meeting of the Group took place on 5 March, 2007. However, in the meantime, the regular meetings under Towards 2016 have enabled representatives of IBEC, ICTU and Departmental officials to monitor trends in inflation.

The Group has actively engaged with the Central Statistics Office, the Competition Authority, the National Consumer Agency and the Commission for Energy Regulation with a view to coordinating the fight against inflation on an informed basis.

The provisions relating to inflation in Towards 2016 provide a useful basis for cooperation and coordination in combating inflation and are reflected in the Government's ongoing and regular contacts with IBEC and ICTU where inflation is often pertinent to discussions on pay, industrial relations and workplace issues.

I can assure the House that the Government is committed to tackling inflation in a manner which will underpin sustainable growth and social partnership and that, in line with Section 5, paragraph 4.2 of Part Two of Towards 2016, the Government gives due consideration to any potential inflationary impacts when developing public policy.