Inflation Falls in Ireland April 2012

Irish inflation was lower in April 2012 - dropping from 2.2% in March to 1.9% in April
Overall consumer prices were largely unchanged in April, but on an annual basis certain sectors showed large increases, education costs increased by 9.4%, the cost of transport went up 5.7%, largely due to fuel price increases.

 Areas such as clothing ,footwear, furnishings, household equipment and maintenance, are still experiencing price falls . 
The  €100  household charge and the rise in health insurance premiums were the main  factors driving up the cost of miscellaneous goods and services.

On a monthly basis, the cost of miscellaneous goods and services rose 1.3% while food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 0.5%. Over the same period there was a 0.9% fall in the cost of alcoholic beverages and tobacco and a 0.7% fall in transport prices. The monthly decline in transport costs was driven by a 15.1% fall in airline passenger costs.

There was a fall in the cost of games, toys, and hobbies but a rise in the cost of package holidays.

Rents in the private sector declined by 0.9% between March and April but were up 2.4% over 12 months. Local authority rents were unchanged between March and April but are down 3.3% for the year.