Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason Ireland no longer participates in collecting data to input in the European Economic sentiment indicator process (details supplied); if he considers it imperative that Ireland participates in this important data collection process be resumed without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11912/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The European Economic Sentiment Indicator (or ESI) is generated through the amalgamation of the findings of a series of business and consumer sentiment surveys carried out in Member States. It is the European Commission, and not the Member States that is responsible for ensuring that these surveys are carried out.

It is my understanding that up to 2007 the component surveys were carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute for the Commission on a tender basis, but that, owing to a combination of factors they were unable to continue to do so.

In early 2009, representatives from my Department, and from the Central Bank, met a representative of the Commission, at the Commission's request, to discuss these surveys. During that meeting the Commission representative indicated that they were exploring new arrangements for the surveys to be carried out in Ireland. Both my Department and the Central Bank indicated their willingness to provide support to the Commission in making these arrangements if they could do so, and I hope that the Commission will find an appropriate solution.