Price rises in the health and services sectors are rising at almost twice the level of inflation, according to data released today.
The rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index rose by 0.6 per cent in August, giving an annual inflation figure of 4.5 per cent, according to the Central Statistics office.
The most significant monthly price changes were increases in clothing and footwear (+5.9 per cent), health (+1.4 per cent) and household furnishings (+1.1 per cent).
But the latest round of price increases means price rises in the health sector have now risen by 10.1 per cent in the past 12 months. Prices in the services sector have risen by 9.8 per cent in the last year, education costs are 9.7 per cent higher and restaurants, hotels and pubs have recorded price increases of 7.5 per cent.
The price of health care also rose due to higher charges for public hospital fees, higher accident and emergency charges and an increase in the threshold of the drugs refund scheme, the CSO said.
Services rose as a result of higher motor insurance premiums, and increases in hairdressing and personal care products.
The hospitality industry reported prices rises in the cost of accommodation services, meals out, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and mineral waters.