reland's inflation rate increased slightly last month, according to figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.

The CSO said prices increased by an average of 0.4% in April, compared to 0.3% in the same period last year. This pushed the inflation rate up from 1.3% in March to 1.4% last month.

The CSO said the largest monthly price increases were in the areas of transport, restaurants and hotels, alcohol and tobacco and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.

On an annual basis, the CSO said the most notable changes were a 6.2% increase in health costs, a 5.9% increase in education costs and a 3.7% increase in the price of alcohol and tobacco.

The prices charged by restaurants and hotels also increased by 3.2% in the 12 months to the end of April, while communications costs increased by 3%.

However, clothing and footwear prices decreased by 4% in the 12-month period, while the cost of furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance decreased by 2.1%.

News Source: The Irish Examiner