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Extra information
For more information on this release:
E-mail: cpi@cso.ie Colin Cotter (+353) 21 453 5770 Mary O'Connell (+353) 21 453 5445 Ann Ross (+353) 21 453 5427
For general information on CSO statistics:
information@cso.ie (+353) 21 453 5000 On-line ISSN 2009-5767
CSO statistical release, , 11am

Consumer Price Index

November 2016

CPI and HICP
 CPI HICP
 % monthly change % annual change % monthly change % annual change
Jul 2016-0.2 0.5 -0.3 0.1
Aug 2016-0.2 -0.1 -0.2 -0.4
Sep 2016-0.4 0.0 -0.4 -0.3
Oct 2016-0.5 -0.3 -0.4 -0.4
Nov 2016-0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2

Prices fall by 0.1% in the year to November

Figure 1: CPI/HICP - ALL ITEMS Annual Percentage Change
go to full release

Prices on average, as measured by the CPI, were 0.1% lower in November compared with November 2015.

The most notable changes in the year were decreases in Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance (-4.3%), Clothing & Footwear (-2.8%), Communications (-2.7%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (-2.4%).  There were increases in Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+2.5%), Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+2.1%), Restaurants & Hotels (+1.9%) and Education (+1.8%).   

Consumer Prices in November, as measured by the CPI, decreased by 0.1% in the month.  During November of last year, prices fell by 0.3% in the month.  The most significant monthly price changes were decreases in Restaurants & Hotels (-0.7%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (-0.4%).  There were increases in Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+0.9%) and Clothing & Footwear (+0.7%). 

Contributions to the overall CPI – annual change

Table 17 shows the contribution of each 2-digit COICOP1 division to the overall change in the CPI.  A detailed breakdown of the individual components of each of the 12 COICOP divisions is presented in Tables 4 to 15.

The divisions which caused the largest downward contribution to the CPI in the year were Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (-0.27%), Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance (-0.20%) and Recreation & Culture (-0.16%).  

The divisions which caused the largest upward contribution to the CPI in the year were Restaurants & Hotels (+0.33%), Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+0.28%) and Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+0.11%).

The main factors contributing to the annual change were as follows:

  • Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages fell mainly due to lower prices across a range of products such as sugar, chocolate & confectionery, bread & cereals, meat and milk, cheese & eggs.  
  • Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance decreased primarily due to the reduced cost of furniture & furnishings and non-durable household goods.
  • Recreation & Culture fell mainly due to lower prices for games, toys & hobbies, recording media and information processing equipment.
  • Restaurants & Hotels rose mainly due to an increase in the cost of hotel accommodation and higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants, cafes etc.
  • Miscellaneous Goods & Services increased primarily due to higher health, motor and dwelling insurance premiums which was partially offset by lower prices for appliances, articles & products for personal care.
  • Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco rose mainly due to higher prices for cigarettes as a result of an increase in excise duty, which was partially offset by lower prices for alcoholic beverages sold in supermarkets and off licences.

Contributions to the overall CPI – monthly change

The divisions which caused the largest downward contribution to the CPI in the month were Restaurants & Hotels (-0.13%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (-0.04%).  The divisions which caused the largest upward contribution in the month were Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+0.05%) and Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+0.05%). 

The main factors contributing to the monthly change were as follows:

  • Restaurants & Hotels decreased due to a reduction in the cost of hotel accommodation.
  • Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages fell mainly due to lower prices across a range of products such as sugar, chocolate & confectionery, bread & cereals and mineral waters & soft drinks.
  • Miscellaneous Goods & Services increased primarily due to higher health and motor insurance premiums which was partially offset by lower prices for appliances, articles & products for personal care.
  • Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco rose mainly due to higher prices for cigarettes and wine which was partially offset by lower prices for spirits and beer sold in supermarkets and off licences. 

CPI sub-indices 

The sub index for Services rose by 2% in the year to November, while Goods decreased by 2.8%.  Services, excluding mortgage interest repayments, increased by 2.4% in the year since November 2015.

The CPI excluding tobacco decreased by 0.1% in the month of November and fell by 0.2% in the year. The CPI excluding mortgage interest decreased by 0.1% in the month and rose by 0.1% in the year. 

Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices 

Prices on average, as measured by the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), decreased by 0.2% compared with November 2015.

The most notable changes in the year were decreases in Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance (-4.1%), Clothing & Footwear (-2.8%) and Communications (-2.7%).  There were increases in Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+2.1%), Restaurants & Hotels (+1.8%) and Education (+1.8%).   

The HICP decreased by 0.1% in the month.  This compares to a decrease of 0.3% recorded in November of last year.

The most significant monthly price changes were decreases in Restaurants & Hotels (-0.8%) and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (-0.8%).  There were increases in Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+0.9%) and Clothing & Footwear (+0.7%).   

1 Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose Adapted to the Needs of Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (2000).

2 See background notes for more detail.

Contributions to changeannual % change
Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages-2.4
Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco2.1
Clothing & Footwear-2.8
Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, etc.0.2
Furnishings, Household Equipment, etc.-4.3
Health1.5
Transport-0.2
Communications-2.7
Recreation & Culture-2
Education1.8
Restaurants & Hotels1.9
Miscellaneous Goods & Services2.5
ALL ITEMS-0.1
Table 1 Consumer Price Index (All Items)
PeriodConsumer Price Index (CPI) Percentage changes
Dec. 2011=100 Dec. 2006=100 1 month 3 months 12 months
           
2009Year97.9 102.2     -4.5
2010Year96.9 101.2     -1.0
2011Year99.4 103.8     2.6
2012Year101.1 105.6     1.7
2013Year101.6 106.1     0.5
2014Year101.8 106.3     0.2
2015Year101.5 106.0     -0.3
           
2013January100.7 105.2 -0.5 -0.8 1.2
 February101.5 105.9 0.8 0.4 1.1
 March101.9 106.4 0.4 0.7 0.5
 April101.9 106.4 0.0 1.2 0.5
 May101.8 106.3 -0.1 0.3 0.4
 June101.9 106.4 0.1 0.0 0.7
 July101.8 106.3 -0.1 -0.1 0.7
 August101.9 106.3 0.1 0.1 0.2
 September101.8 106.2 -0.1 -0.1 0.2
 October101.6 106.0 -0.2 -0.2 0.1
 November101.4 105.9 -0.2 -0.5 0.3
 December101.4 105.9 0.0 -0.4 0.2
           
2014January100.9 105.3 -0.5 -0.7 0.2
 February101.4 105.9 0.5 0.0 -0.1
 March102.1 106.6 0.7 0.7 0.2
 April102.2 106.7 0.1 1.3 0.3
 May102.2 106.7 0.0 0.8 0.4
 June102.3 106.8 0.1 0.2 0.4
 July102.1 106.6 -0.2 -0.1 0.3
 August102.3 106.8 0.2 0.1 0.4
 September102.1 106.5 -0.2 -0.2 0.3
 October101.8 106.2 -0.3 -0.3 0.2
 November101.5 106.0 -0.3 -0.8 0.1
 December101.1 105.6 -0.4 -1.0 -0.3
           
2015January100.3 104.7 -0.8 -1.5 -0.6
 February100.9 105.3 0.6 -0.6 -0.5
 March101.5 106.0 0.6 0.4 -0.6
 April101.5 105.9 0.0 1.2 -0.7
 May101.9 106.4 0.4 1.0 -0.3
 June102.2 106.6 0.3 0.7 -0.1
 July101.9 106.4 -0.3 0.4 -0.2
 August102.3 106.8 0.4 0.4 0.0
 September101.8 106.3 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3
 October101.6 106.0 -0.2 -0.3 -0.2
 November101.3 105.7 -0.3 -1.0 -0.2
 December101.2 105.7 -0.1 -0.6 0.1
           
2016January100.4 104.8 -0.8 -1.2 0.1
 February100.8 105.2 0.4 -0.5 -0.1
 March101.2 105.6 0.4 0.0 -0.3
 April101.4 105.9 0.2 1.0 -0.1
 May101.9 106.4 0.5 1.1 0.0
 June102.6 107.1 0.7 1.4 0.4
 July102.4 106.9 -0.2 1.0 0.5
 August102.2 106.7 -0.2 0.3 -0.1
 September101.8 106.2 -0.4 -0.8 0.0
 October101.3 105.8 -0.5 -1.1 -0.3
 November101.2 105.7 -0.1 -1.0 -0.1
           
Table 2 Consumer Price Index Subindices - November 2016
Subindices  Consumer Price Index (CPI) Percentage changes
Weights         
2016 Dec. 2011=100Dec. 2006=100 1 month 3 months 12 months
CPI excluding Tobacco97.575 100.6104.3 -0.1 -1.0 -0.2
CPI excluding Housing88.548 101.5106.1 -0.1 -1.2 -0.4
CPI excluding Mortgage Interest96.234 103.6108.0 -0.1 -1.0 0.1
CPI excluding Mortgage Interest and Local Property Tax95.702 103.4107.7 0.0 -0.9 0.2
CPI excluding Energy Products91.796 102.2104.2 -0.1 -1.3 0.1
CPI excluding Energy and Unprocessed Food86.703 102.7105.1 -0.1 -1.2 0.3
           
Notes: CPI excluding Housing excludes rents, mortgage interest, maintenance & repair of the dwelling, refuse collection, sewage collection and
           insurance connected with the dwelling.
           CPI excluding Mortgage Interest and Local Property Tax excludes the items mortgage interest and miscellaneous goods & services (part of
           COICOP 12.70) which predominantly comprises the local property tax.
           CPI excluding Energy Products excludes fuels & lubricants for personal transport equipment and electricity, gas & other fuels.
           CPI excluding Energy and Unprocessed Food excludes fuels & lubricants for personal transport equipment, electricity, gas & other fuels, meat,
           vegetables, fruit and fish.
Table 3 Consumer Price COICOP Division Indices - November 2016
COICOP Division  Consumer Price Index (CPI) Percentage changes
Weights         
2016 Dec. 2011=100Dec. 2006=100 1 month 3 months 12 months
            
01Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages11.189 94.596.5 -0.4 -1.4 -2.4
02Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco5.188 116.4128.4 0.9 1.4 2.1
03Clothing and Footwear4.357 87.062.7 0.7 2.6 -2.8
04Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels15.237 99.7107.1 -0.2 1.2 0.2
05Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance4.796 85.274.6 -0.2 -1.2 -4.3
06Health2.832 102.6119.3 -0.1 -0.3 1.5
07Transport13.546 95.0103.6 0.2 -3.3 -0.2
08Communications3.234 91.596.9 0.0 0.2 -2.7
09Recreation and Culture7.470 96.294.9 0.0 -1.4 -2.0
10Education2.681 121.4160.0 0.3 1.7 1.8
11Restaurants and Hotels17.637 109.2111.1 -0.7 -2.3 1.9
12Miscellaneous Goods and Services11.833 115.8138.8 0.5 -1.0 2.5
 ALL ITEMS100.000 101.2105.7 -0.1 -1.0 -0.1
 Of which:          
   Goods41.863 91.189.6 -0.2 -0.3 -2.8
   Services58.137 109.6120.3 0.0 -1.4 2.0
   Energy Products8.204 91.3122.6 0.2 2.5 -1.6
   Utilities and Local Charges3.780 111.4126.7 0.0 0.0 -8.7
   Alcohol10.701 109.1110.8 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1
   Tobacco2.425 128.4163.7 2.4 4.6 7.2
   Mortgage Interest3.766 62.667.4 -0.3 -0.3 -3.8
   Services excluding Mortgage Interest54.371 115.2126.8 0.1 -1.4 2.4
            
Notes: See Background Notes for definition of COICOP divisions, goods, services and utilities and local charges.
            Restaurants and Hotels (COICOP 11) includes alcoholic beverages consumed on licensed premises.
            Alcohol constitutes part of COICOP 02 (off-licence sales) and part of COICOP 11 (alcohol consumed on licensed premises) giving a combined
            index for alcohol.
Table 4 COICOP Division 01 Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
01.1 Food10.0546 94.4 -0.3-2.4
   01.1.1 Bread & Cereals1.8073 91.5 -1.1-2.8
                   Rice0.0492 94.1 -4.6-9.3
                   Flours & other cereals0.0613 104.2 -0.6-1.9
                   Bread0.6007 93.6 -0.10.1
                   Other bakery products0.5619 87.1 -0.9-3.7
                   Pizza & quiche0.1373 74.2 -6.9-12.0
                   Pasta products & couscous0.0966 93.3 -0.20.1
                   Breakfast cereals0.2570 101.8 -0.6-3.2
                   Other cereal products0.0433 93.7 -1.70.3
   01.1.2 Meat2.3983 94.3 0.1-2.0
                    Beef & veal0.4127 107.3 0.31.3
                    Pork0.1443 91.3 -3.1-5.0
                    Lamb & goat0.1400 96.9 9.6-0.2
                    Poultry0.4551 91.3 1.1-2.6
                    Edible offal0.0064 104.0 0.00.3
                    Dried, salted or smoked meat0.8567 90.5 -1.7-2.6
                    Other meat preparations0.3831 92.6 0.9-3.1
   01.1.3 Fish0.3950 100.2 -0.52.1
                   Fresh or chilled fish 0.1533 109.7 -1.77.8
                   Frozen fish0.0602 77.1 -0.9-4.2
                   Fresh or chilled seafood 0.0459 93.1 0.5-3.1
                   Dried, smoked or salted fish & seafood0.0448 100.4 0.32.1
                   Other preserved or processed fish & seafood-based preparations0.0908 104.6 1.1-0.2
   01.1.4 Milk, cheese & eggs1.3909 94.3 0.1-3.0
                   Fresh whole milk0.4057 97.3 0.0-0.9
                   Fresh low fat milk0.1517 101.4 -0.40.1
                   Yoghurt0.2420 93.3 -0.6-3.8
                   Cheese & curd 0.3196 88.8 1.5-3.1
                   Other milk products0.1266 92.9 -0.4-3.4
                   Eggs0.1453 94.0 0.3-9.4
   01.1.5 Oils & fats0.2922 102.1 1.6-0.4
                   Butter0.1310 102.4 1.00.0
                   Margarine & other vegetable fats0.0933 99.5 3.4-2.1
                   Olive oil0.0263 103.0 0.01.0
                   Other edible oils0.0416 105.9 0.80.9
   01.1.6 Fruit0.7670 91.9 0.00.0
                   Fresh or chilled fruit0.6402 90.5 0.10.8
                   Dried fruit & nuts0.1077 95.8 -0.7-4.8
                   Preserved fruit & fruit-based products0.0192 116.8 -1.52.0
   01.1.7 Vegetables1.5327 99.2 0.3-1.6
                   Fresh or chilled vegetables other than potatoes & other tubers0.6567 94.9 0.2-2.8
                   Frozen vegetables other than potatoes & other tubers0.0395 92.4 0.30.2
                   Dried vegetables, other preserved or processed vegetables0.2780 96.5 0.3-1.4
                   Potatoes0.3375 103.5 0.0-1.9
                   Crisps0.2210 104.3 1.02.3
   01.1.8 Sugar, jam, honey, chocolate & confectionery1.1206 90.9 -2.2-6.9
                   Sugar0.1029 95.4 -0.4-0.8
                   Jams, marmalades & honey0.1248 97.7 2.00.1
                   Chocolate0.4784 91.9 -4.4-11.8
                   Confectionery products0.2008 92.3 -0.9-3.0
                   Edible ices & ice cream0.2051 80.5 -1.6-6.5
                   Artifical sugar substitutes0.0085 97.4 -0.33.7
   01.1.9 Food products n.e.c. 0.3506 96.3 -0.1-2.0
                   Sauces & condiments0.0943 96.7 1.3-2.1
                   Salt, spices & culinary herbs0.0167 94.8 0.50.0
                   Baby food0.0415 109.9 -0.51.9
                   Ready-made meals0.1039 85.2 -2.0-4.9
                   Other food products n.e.c.0.0942 103.2 0.5-1.1
01.2 Non-alcoholic beverages1.1347 96.0 -0.9-2.0
   01.2.1 Coffee, tea & cocoa0.1968 93.5 -0.1-4.3
                   Coffee0.0824 90.4 0.6-6.1
                   Tea0.1041 95.6 -0.4-2.3
                   Cocoa & powdered chocolate0.0103 95.4 -1.9-10.8
   01.2.2 Mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit & vegetable juices0.9379 96.6 -1.1-1.5
                   Mineral or spring waters0.1335 98.8 -0.31.5
                   Soft drinks0.5575 93.9 -1.9-2.4
                   Fruit & vegetable juices0.2469 101.6 0.1-1.2
       
Total 11.1893 94.5 -0.4-2.4
       
Table 5 COICOP Division 02 Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
02.1 Alcoholic Beverages2.7634 106.5 -0.6-2.3
   02.1.1 Spirits0.3616 110.1 -6.8-3.1
   02.1.2 Wine1.3964 110.6 1.7-2.4
   02.1.3 Beer1.0054 99.4 -1.2-2.2
02.2 Tobacco2.4248 128.4 2.47.2
                   Cigarettes2.3052 128.0 2.47.2
                   Other tobacco products0.1195 136.4 2.65.9
       
Total5.1882 116.4 0.92.1
       
Table 6 COICOP Division 03 Clothing and Footwear - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
03.1 Clothing3.5763 87.5 0.8-2.8
   03.1.2 Garments3.3516 86.8 0.8-2.8
   03.1.3 Other articles of clothing & clothing accessories0.1513 97.7 2.1-3.6
   03.1.4 Cleaning, repair & hire of clothing0.0733 103.2 0.21.3
                   Dry cleaning & laundry0.0568 103.1 0.21.3
                   Dress hire & repair of clothing0.0165 103.7 0.31.5
03.2 Footwear0.7812 84.9 -0.2-3.5
   03.2.1 Shoes & other footwear0.7726 84.7 -0.2-3.6
   03.2.2 Repair & hire of footwear0.0086 103.7 -0.51.4
       
Total4.3575 87.0 0.7-2.8
       
Table 7 COICOP Division 04 Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
04.1/04.2 Actual rentals for housing & mortgage interest9.7883 97.9 -0.13.9
   04.1.1 Actual rentals paid by tenants (Rents)6.0223 140.1 0.08.9
                   Private Rents5.2395 145.4 0.09.7
                   Local Authority Rents0.7828 108.0 0.03.9
   04.2.1 Mortgage Interest 3.7660 62.6 -0.3-3.8
04.3 Maintenance & repair of the dwelling0.6237 101.2 -0.2-1.1
   04.3.1 Materials for the maintenance & repair of the dwelling0.2387 97.5 -0.5-3.2
   04.3.2 Services for the maintenance & repair of the dwelling0.3850 103.5 0.00.2
04.4 Water supply & miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling 0.7383 126.3 0.0-29.4
04.5 Electricity, gas & other fuels4.0867 97.5 -0.3-3.1
   04.5.1 Electricity2.2314 106.8 0.0-3.8
   04.5.2 Gas0.7070 104.2 0.0-3.2
                   Natural gas0.6714 104.7 0.0-3.2
                   Bottled gas0.0356 95.5 0.0-1.7
   04.5.3 Liquid fuels (Home Heating Oil)0.6552 69.6 -2.0-2.0
   04.5.4 Solid fuels0.4931 113.0 -0.2-0.7
       
Total15.2371 99.7 -0.20.2
       
Table 8 COICOP Division 05 Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
05.1 Furniture & furnishings, carpets & other floor coverings1.1793 69.8 0.1-7.9
   05.1.1 Furniture & furnishings1.1756 69.4 0.1-8.0
   05.1.2 Carpets & other floor coverings0.0036 97.4 0.74.4
05.2 Household textiles0.4116 76.4 1.3-5.3
05.3 Household appliances0.4827 91.1 0.2-3.4
   05.3.1 Major household appliances whether electric or not0.4082 90.7 0.3-3.6
   05.3.2 Small electric household appliances0.0484 89.0 -0.3-2.3
   05.3.3 Repair of household appliances0.0262 101.4 0.00.0
05.4 Glassware, tableware & household utensils0.5301 85.0 -0.2-3.5
05.5 Tools & equipment for house & garden0.2162 87.2 0.5-4.1
   05.5.1 Major tools & equipment0.1225 79.6 1.1-5.7
   05.5.2 Small tools & miscellaneous accessories0.0937 93.8 -0.5-2.1
05.6 Goods & services for routine household maintenance1.9762 94.6 -0.8-2.2
   05.6.1 Non-durable household goods1.1121 87.7 -1.6-6.5
   05.6.2 Domestic services & household services0.8641 102.7 0.03.4
       
Total4.7961 85.2 -0.2-4.3
       
Table 9 COICOP Division 06 Health - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
06.1 Medical products, appliances & equipment0.9934 99.5 -0.50.3
   06.1.1 Pharmaceutical products0.8092 98.6 -0.60.3
                   Prescribed drugs0.2175 94.2 -0.5-0.4
                   Other medicines0.5917 100.1 -0.70.5
   06.1.2 Other medical products0.0229 108.0 0.00.4
   06.1.3 Therapeutic appliances & equipment0.1614 100.6 0.00.0
06.2 Out-patient services1.6383 103.4 0.02.3
   06.2.1/3 Medical & paramedical services1.0990 103.9 0.03.0
                   Doctors' fees0.9112 103.9 0.03.2
                   Other medical & paramedical services0.1878 103.8 0.02.1
   06.2.2 Dental services0.5393 102.4 -0.10.8
06.3 Hospital services0.2000 101.3 0.00.3
       
Total2.8318 102.6 -0.11.5
       
Table 10 COICOP Division 07 Transport - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
07.1 Purchase of vehicles3.8138 87.0 -0.9-4.0
   07.1.1 Motor cars3.7298 87.0 -0.9-4.0
   07.1.2 Motor cycles0.0127 108.3 0.03.0
   07.1.3 Bicycles0.0713 85.9 -1.2-4.1
07.2 Operation of personal transport equipment7.1654 94.3 0.50.0
   07.2.1 Spare parts & accessories for personal transport equipment0.3915 98.1 1.6-1.0
   07.2.2 Fuels & lubricants for personal transport equipment4.1170 86.4 0.8-0.1
                   Petrol2.8127 88.6 0.6-0.3
                   Diesel1.2871 81.6 1.50.6
                   Motor oil0.0172 105.1 0.00.5
   07.2.3 Maintenance & repair of personal transport equipment0.7101 99.0 0.10.5
   07.2.4 Other services in respect of personal transport equipment1.9469 116.4 -0.2-0.1
                   Motor tax1.4402 121.8 0.00.0
                   Other vehicle costs0.5067 101.6 -1.0-0.4
07.3 Transport services2.5670 110.9 1.04.9
   07.3.1 Passenger transport by railway0.2855 119.8 0.02.1
   07.3.2 Passenger transport by road1.1757 115.1 0.00.3
                   Bus fares0.7331 121.9 0.00.4
                   Taxi fares0.4426 104.1 0.00.0
   07.3.3 Passenger transport by air1.0088 97.3 2.212.1
   07.3.4 Passenger transport by sea & inland waterway0.0491 107.0 3.5-5.4
   07.3.5 Combined passenger transport0.0301 123.5 0.00.0
   07.3.6 Other purchased transport services0.0179 103.2 0.0-0.1
       
Total13.5462 95.0 0.2-0.2
       
Table 11 COICOP Division 08 Communications - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
08.1 Postal services0.1459 131.0 0.03.1
08.2/3.0 Telephone & telefax equipment and telephone & telefax services3.0879 90.1 -0.1-3.0
       
Total3.2337 91.5 0.0-2.7
       
Table 12 COICOP Division 09 Recreation and Culture - November 2016
DescriptionWeights m Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
09.1 Audio-visual, photographic & information processing equipment0.7286 59.4 -0.8-13.3
   09.1.1 Equipment for the reception, recording & reproduction of sound & pictures 0.2617 64.0 -1.1-9.2
   09.1.2 Photographic & cinematographic equipment & optical instruments0.0570 55.1 -0.4-8.5
   09.1.3 Information processing equipment0.1194 37.9 -2.1-25.8
   09.1.4 Recording media0.2651 67.7 -0.3-15.3
   09.1.5 Repair of audio-visual, photographic & information processing equipment0.0253 99.5 0.80.8
09.2 Other major durables for recreation & culture0.0090 96.3 0.0-0.1
09.3 Other recreational items & equipment, gardens & pets1.3673 80.4 -0.1-10.3
   09.3.1 Games, toys & hobbies0.8695 73.3 -0.3-13.8
   09.3.2 Equipment for sport, camping & open-air recreation0.0925 77.3 0.0-7.8
   09.3.3 Gardens, plants & flowers0.1564 66.6 -0.4-12.3
   09.3.4/5 Pets & related products including veterinary & other services for pets0.2489 112.7 0.42.0
09.4 Recreational & cultural services2.7009 109.0 0.62.5
   09.4.1 Recreational & sporting services0.7696 99.7 0.23.4
                   Sports admittance0.0963 99.2 0.90.4
                   Sports participation0.1826 97.5 0.21.6
                   Club & society subscriptions0.4907 100.6 0.04.6
   09.4.2 Cultural services1.9312 112.8 0.82.1
                   Cinema0.1732 104.1 0.01.9
                   Nightclubs0.1159 94.3 1.5-0.8
                   Cultural admittance0.3608 121.5 3.810.6
                   Television services1.2042 114.0 0.00.1
                   Other entertainment0.0770 102.2 -0.3-1.4
09.5 Newspapers, books & stationery1.4345 105.7 -0.8-0.3
   09.5.1 Books0.3823 105.5 -2.6-2.2
   09.5.2 Newspapers & periodicals0.9145 106.4 -0.30.6
   09.5.3/4 Miscellaneous printed matter and stationery & drawing materials0.1376 99.7 -0.2-0.3
09.6 Package holidays1.2302 108.4 0.11.3
       
Total7.4703 96.2 0.0-2.0
       
Table 13 COICOP Division 10 Education - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
10.1 Pre-primary & primary education0.1514 102.5 0.00.7
10.2 Secondary education0.3971 112.3 0.02.7
10.4 Tertiary education1.7538 129.0 0.01.6
10.5 Education not definable by level0.3782 105.8 2.12.1
       
Total2.6805 121.4 0.31.8
       
Table 14 COICOP Division 11 Restaurants and Hotels - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
11.1 Catering services15.4833 107.6 0.21.0
   11.1.1 Restaurants, cafes & the like14.7115 107.9 0.11.0
                  Licenced premises8.3182 109.8 0.10.8
                      Spirits2.0221 110.9 0.21.3
                      Wine1.3207 109.2 0.10.8
                      Beer4.5943 109.9 0.10.6
                      Soft drinks & mineral water0.3810 105.8 0.11.1
                  Restaurants, cafes, fast food & take-away food6.3934 105.4 0.11.2
   11.1.2 Canteens0.7718 103.6 0.01.2
11.2 Accommodation services2.1533 121.5 -6.28.0
       
Total17.6366 109.2 -0.71.9
       
Table 15 COICOP Division 12 Miscellaneous Goods and Services - November 2016
DescriptionWeights Index Percentage changes
2016 Dec. 2011=100 1 month12 months
       
12.1 Personal care3.1513 88.4 -2.1-4.2
   12.1.1 Hairdressing salons & personal grooming establishments0.8646 100.4 0.10.7
                     Hairdressing0.6550 100.7 0.21.6
                     Health & beauty treatments0.1956 99.0 0.0-1.9
                     Other personal grooming0.0140 106.3 0.51.7
   12.1.2 Electric appliances for personal care0.1161 88.9 -2.2-2.8
   12.1.3 Other appliances, articles & products for personal care2.1705 83.8 -2.9-6.3
                     Hygiene products0.4568 87.3 0.1-5.0
                     Hair products0.2592 83.8 -11.3-9.2
                     Cosmetics & skincare products0.9340 81.0 -2.4-6.3
                     Toilet accessories0.5205 85.3 -2.5-6.6
12.3 Personal effects n.e.c.0.7070 68.0 -0.1-7.1
   12.3.1 Jewellery, clocks & watches0.2803 88.2 0.0-2.8
   12.3.2 Other personal effects0.4267 54.7 -0.2-9.9
12.4 Social protection0.7533 105.6 0.02.4
                     Childcare0.6122 105.5 0.02.4
                     Other social protection0.1411 105.8 0.01.8
12.5 Insurance5.6104 139.8 1.97.9
   12.5.2 Insurance connected with the dwelling0.6130 105.7 0.07.6
   12.5.3 Insurance connected with health3.3933 146.4 2.86.3
   12.5.4 Insurance connected with transport1.6041 148.3 1.011.4
                  Motor insurance1.5867 149.0 1.011.6
                     Motor cycle insurance0.0135 108.7 0.00.0
                     Motor car insurance1.5732 149.3 0.911.7
                  Travel insurance0.0174 94.5 0.0-1.3
12.6 Financial services n.e.c.0.4029 115.0 0.0-0.3
12.7 Other services n.e.c.1.2078 150.2 0.21.2
       
Total11.8327 115.8 0.52.5
       
Table 16 Consumer Price Index Goods and Services by COICOP Division - November 2016
COICOP DivisionWeights 2016 Index       Percentage changes
    Dec. 2011=100    
          
OverallGoodsServices GoodsServices GoodsServicesOverall
       12 months12 months12 months
            
01Food and Non Alcoholic Beverages11.18911.189- 94.5- -2.4--2.4
02Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco5.1885.188- 116.4- 2.1-2.1
03Clothing and Footwear4.3574.2760.082 86.7103.3 -2.91.3-2.8
04Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels 15.2371.42313.814 85.1101.8 -1.80.50.2
05Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance4.7963.9040.892 80.8103.0 -5.93.3-4.3
06Health2.8320.9931.838 99.5103.7 0.32.11.5
07Transport13.5468.3225.224 87.0111.3 -1.92.4-0.2
08Communications3.2340.1233.111 52.193.4 -14.0-2.2-2.7
09Recreation and Culture7.4703.4514.019 83.8108.3 -6.92.1-2.0
10Education2.681-2.681 -121.4 -1.81.8
11Restaurants and Hotels17.637-17.637 -109.2 -1.91.9
12Miscellaneous Goods & Services11.8332.9948.839 79.8130.5 -6.45.42.5
            
ALL ITEMS100.00041.86358.137 91.1109.6 -2.82.0-0.1
            
Table 17 Contributions to the change in the All Items CPI - November 2016
COICOP DivisionPercentage contributions
1 month 3 months 12 months
       
01Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages-0.04 -0.14 -0.27
02Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco0.05 0.07 0.11
03Clothing and Footwear0.03 0.11 -0.12
04Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels-0.03 0.18 0.03
05Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance-0.01 -0.05 -0.20
06Health-0.01 -0.01 0.04
07Transport0.03 -0.45 -0.03
08Communications0.00 0.01 -0.09
09Recreation and Culture0.00 -0.11 -0.16
10Education0.01 0.04 0.05
11Restaurants and Hotels-0.13 -0.43 0.33
12Miscellaneous Goods and Services0.05 -0.13 0.28
 All Items % change-0.1 -1.0 -0.1 
 Goods-0.08 -0.13 -1.15
 Services0.02 -0.77 1.13
 Energy Products0.02 0.19 -0.14
 Tobacco0.06 0.11 0.17
 Mortgage Interest-0.01 -0.01 -0.15
       
Notes: For the percentage contributions, the sum of the 2-digit COICOP divisions may not equal the All Items %
           change due to rounding differences.
Table 18 EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) - Ireland
Period HICP 2015=100 Percentage changes
 Monthly indexMoving 12-month average index 1 month12 monthsMoving 12-month average
        
2013January98.899.3 -0.61.51.9
 February99.699.4 0.81.21.9
 March100.099.5 0.40.61.8
 April99.999.5 -0.10.51.7
 May99.899.6 -0.10.41.5
 June99.999.6 0.10.71.4
 July99.999.7 0.00.81.3
 August100.099.7 0.10.11.1
 September99.999.7 -0.10.00.9
 October99.799.7 -0.2-0.10.7
 November99.699.7 -0.10.30.6
 December99.799.7 0.10.30.5
        
2014January99.199.8 -0.60.30.4
 February99.799.8 0.60.10.3
 March100.299.8 0.50.20.3
 April100.299.8 0.00.30.3
 May100.299.8 0.00.40.3
 June100.499.9 0.20.50.3
 July100.399.9 -0.10.40.2
 August100.6100.0 0.30.60.3
 September100.4100.0 -0.20.50.3
 October100.1100.0 -0.30.40.4
 November99.8100.1 -0.30.20.4
 December99.4100.0 -0.4-0.30.3
        
2015January98.7100.0 -0.7-0.40.2
 February99.3100.0 0.6-0.40.2
 March100.0100.0 0.7-0.20.2
 April99.999.9 -0.1-0.30.1
 May100.499.9 0.50.20.1
 June100.8100.0 0.40.40.1
 July100.5100.0 -0.30.20.1
 August100.8100.0 0.30.20.0
 September100.3100.0 -0.5-0.10.0
 October100.0100.0 -0.3-0.10.0
 November99.7100.0 -0.3-0.1-0.1
 December99.6100.0 -0.10.20.0
        
2016January98.7100.0 -0.90.00.0
 February99.1100.0 0.4-0.20.0
 March99.499.9 0.3-0.60.0
 April99.799.9 0.3-0.20.0
 May100.299.9 0.5-0.20.0
 June100.999.9 0.70.1-0.1
 July100.699.9 -0.30.1-0.1
 August100.499.9 -0.2-0.4-0.1
 September100.099.9 -0.4-0.3-0.1
 October99.699.8 -0.4-0.4-0.2
 November99.599.8 -0.1-0.2-0.2
        
Table 19 EU Harmonised Consumer Price COICOP Division Indices - November 2016 Ireland
COICOP DivisionHICP Percentage changes Percentage contributions
Year 2015=100 1 month 12 months 1 month 12 months
           
01Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages97.5 -0.3 -2.3 -0.05 -0.29
02Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco102.8 0.9 2.1 0.05 0.11
03Clothing and Footwear99.0 0.7 -2.8 0.03 -0.13
04Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels102.0 -0.2 1.4 -0.02 0.19
05Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance95.2 -0.2 -4.1 -0.01 -0.22
06Health100.8 -0.1 0.8 -0.01 0.05
07Transport96.0 0.2 -0.2 0.03 -0.03
08Communications97.8 -0.1 -2.7 0.00 -0.09
09Recreation and Culture97.7 -0.1 -2.1 0.00 -0.17
10Education104.6 0.3 1.8 0.01 0.05
11Restaurants and Hotels101.7 -0.8 1.8 -0.15 0.36
12Miscellaneous Goods and Services99.0 -0.8 -1.2 -0.05 -0.08
All Items HICP99.5 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2 
           
Notes: For the percentage contributions, the sum of the 2-digit COICOP divisions may not equal the All Items HICP due to rounding differences.
                    
                     

Background Notes

Consumer Price Index

Definition

The Consumer Price Index is designed to measure the change in the average level of prices (inclusive of all indirect taxes) paid for consumer goods and services by all private and institutional households in the country and by foreign tourists holidaying in Ireland.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Approximately 53,000 prices are collected for a representative basket consisting of 634 item headings in a fixed panel of retail and service outlets throughout the country during the week containing the second Tuesday of each month up to and including the third Tuesday of each month.  The dates to which the November index relates are Monday, 7th to Tuesday, 15th November 2016.

Scope of the Index

  1. Population Coverage: All private and institutional households in the State and the expenditure of foreign tourists within Ireland.  It does not include the expenditure of other non private households.    Expenditure which occurs abroad by Irish residents is also excluded.  In statistical terms coverage is referred to as the domestic concept.
  2. Geographic Coverage: Covers the whole of the Republic of Ireland.  Pricing takes place in 84 locations (cities and towns) throughout the country.  These sampling points are located in Dublin city and county, the four regional cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford, approx. 80% of towns with a population of 10,000 and over, approx. 70% of towns between 5,000 and 9,999 and a smaller proportion below this threshold.  The results are weighted to represent the distribution of the population and its related consumer expenditure.
  3. Item Coverage: All goods and services bought by the reference population for the purposes of consumption are included in the index.  Expenditure on capital assets and investments, gambling and certain other activities are however excluded.  There are 634 item headings and 12 division headings based on the COICOP classification.  With each rebase the coverage of goods and services is reviewed to ensure that it continues to be representative of consumer tastes and purchasing practices.

Price Collection   

Personal visits are made to retail outlets by some 80 price collectors on a monthly basis.  Approximately 50,000 price quotations are gathered in this way.  In addition, 128 special inquiries covering items such as utility charges and services are conducted by post, telephone and e-mail in conjunction with internet price collection.  Most prices are collected monthly, some quarterly and others annually.  The CSO supplies general specifications to price collectors and price collectors are free initially to select a brand and in certain cases, size.  This allows for a wide variety of different brands of the same item to be priced throughout the country.  Once selected, the same item/brand is priced on a monthly basis in order to ensure matched price quotations.  If an item disappears, substitution can occur but that price is excluded until matched prices are available for the same comparable item for two consecutive months.  The CSO wishes to put on record its appreciation of the co-operation and assistance it receives from retail outlets and other business concerns.

Classification

The classification used in the CPI is based on a version of the Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose Adapted to the Needs of Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (2000) (COICOP).  This replaced the former national classification which was used up to December 2001.  The COICOP classification breaks consumer expenditure into twelve different divisions covering a comprehensive range of consumer goods and services.

Annual Update of CPI Weights

For 2016, the CPI COICOP class (4-digit) level weights were updated with a reference period of December 2015. The weights were based primarily on the 2014 National Accounts Household Final Monetary Consumption Expenditure (HFMCE) data.  The expenditure data were price updated at CPI COICOP class level to December 2015 using the price movement of the corresponding CPI COICOP class indices.

CPI Item Weights

The CPI measures in index form the monthly changes  in the cost of purchasing  a fixed representative ‘basket’ of consumer goods and services (i.e. Laspeyres formula).  Identical items are priced in the same outlet on each occasion so that changes in the cost of this constant basket reflect only pure price changes. The current basket of goods and services consists of 634 representative items which were predominantly selected as part of the December 2011 rebase. The exception was two new items, water supply and sewage collection, which were introduced in January 2015.  The representative share of each item in the basket is proportional to the average amount purchased by all households in the State and foreign tourists in Ireland based primarily on the 2009/2010 Household Budget Survey (HBS) and estimates of expenditure by foreign tourists across a range of consumer goods and services.  When the new COICOP class (4-digit) level weights were introduced with the January 2013 index, the CPI item weights were also updated.  The CPI item weights were calculated on a pro rata basis using proportions from the December 2011 rebase.  A similar approach was taken when updating the 2016 item weights.

Methodological Details

A full methodological description of the new series is available in the Consumer Price Index Introduction of Updated Series (Base: December 2011=100) which is published on the CSO website.

Rebase

The index has been rebased with effect from December 2011, the eleventh series since the foundation of the State.

The rebase of the current CPI resulted in a number of methodological changes:

  • Updating the expenditure weights;
  • A revision of the sample of goods and services;
  • An update of the sample of areas priced;
  • Calculation of the mortgage interest component.

Goods and Services

Goods

Goods are defined as non service items usually purchased and transportable from a retail outlet.

Services

Services include the following: rents, mortgage interest, services for the maintenance & repair of the dwelling, water supply & miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling, electricity, gas, repair of household appliances, tool hire, domestic services & household services, out-patient services, hospital services, maintenance/repair and other services in respect of personal transport equipment, transport services, postal services, telephone & telefax services, repair of audio-visual, photographic & information processing equipment, veterinary & other services for pets, recreational & cultural services, package holidays, education, catering services, accommodation services, hairdressing salons & personal grooming establishments, social protection, insurance, financial services n.e.c. and other services n.e.c.

Utilities and Local Charges

Includes electricity, natural gas, refuse collection, sewage collection, water supply and telephone services – landline.

Mortgage Interest and the Local Property Tax in the CPI

Mortgage interest was first included in the CPI at the November 1975 rebase. The use of mortgage interest in the CPI reflects a user-cost approach to measuring owner-occupied housing.  This approach has involved measuring changes in average mortgage interest costs over time.  The household charge was introduced to the CPI in April 2012 and subsequently became the local property tax in July 2013. The local property tax is included in the basket under the item 'miscellaneous goods and services', which is part of COICOP 12.7.0.  The inclusion of the local property tax is consistent with the user-cost approach utilised for owner-occupied housing.  In the interest of transparency, an index excluding both mortgage interest and the local property tax is provided in Table 2 of the release to allow for their impact in the CPI to be seen.

Mortgage interest and the local property tax are excluded from the HICP.   

Water supply and sewage collection charges

Water supply and sewage collection charges were introduced in Ireland on 1 January 2015.  The coverage of the CPI/HICP is defined as those goods and services purchased by households for the purposes of consumption.  This definition required the incorporation of the new charges into the CPI/HICP.  Water supply and sewage collection charges are a component of group 04.4 Water supply & miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling of the COICOP consumption classification.  Water supply and sewage collection charges were suspended for a period of nine months from 1st July 2016. 

For a full discussion on the rationale and methodology for introducing water supply and sewage collecion charges into the CPI/HICP, see the relevant CPI Technical Paper.

Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices

Introduction

The European Union-Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (EU-HICP) is calculated in each Member State of the EU.  The purpose of this index is to allow the comparison of consumer price trends in the different Member States.

Comparison with CPI

The methodology now adopted for the construction of the national CPI is identical to that recommended for the HICP.  Thus the two indices only differ in respect of the coverage of certain goods and services and the treatment of insurance.  The current EU reference base period (Year 2005=100) is however retained for ease of comparison with other EU countries.

Excluded  Items

The following items, constituting approximately 8.1% of the Irish CPI expenditure weighting, are excluded from the HICP:

  • mortgage interest
  • building materials
  • motor car tax
  • motor cycle tax
  • motor car insurance (non-service)
  • contents insurance (non-service)
  • dwelling insurance
  • union subscriptions
  • local property tax (part of the item 'miscellaneous goods & services')

Annual Update of HICP Weights

For 2016, the CPI COICOP class (4-digit) level weights were updated with a reference period of December 2015.  The weights were based primarily on the 2014 HFMCE data.  The expenditure data were price updated at HICP COICOP class level to December 2015 using the price movement of the corresponding HICP COICOP class indices.

Monetary Union Index of Consumer Prices (MUICP)

Euro area inflation is measured by the MUICP (‘Monetary Union Index of Consumer Prices’ as defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 2494/95 of 23 October 1995) which is the official euro area aggregate.  The MUICP is calculated as a weighted average of HICPs of the 18 countries in the euro area.  Country weights are computed every year reflecting the country’s share of the household final monetary consumption expenditure in the euro area total.

Classification System

The coverage of the indices is based on the international classification system, Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose Adapted to the Needs of Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (2000) (COICOP).

COICOP

Prior to the introduction of the December 2001 based series in January 2002 the CPI used a national classification while the EU Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (HICP) used COICOP.  To ensure greater comparability CPI and the HICP have both used the COICOP since December 2001.

The COICOP classification is based on 12 divisions:

01    Food and Non Alcoholic Beverages

Includes food and non alcoholic beverages purchased in supermarkets, small shops, speciality shops and petrol station forecourt outlets.  It excludes meals out which are covered under 11 Restaurants and Hotels.

02    Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

Includes alcoholic beverages purchased in off licences and supermarkets but excludes alcohol consumed on or within licensed premises which is classified under 11 Restaurants and Hotels.  It also includes tobacco products.

03    Clothing and Footwear

Mens, ladies and childrens clothing and footwear, sports and leisurewear and services such as laundry and dry cleaning, shoe repair, dress hire and alteration.

04    Housing,  Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels

Covers rents, mortgage interest repayments, refuse collection, goods and services for maintaining, decorating and repairing dwellings and domestic energy products such as electricity, gas, home heating oil and solid fuels.  Water supply and sewage collection were added to this division under the item 'water supply and miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling' in January 2015.

05    Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance

Covers household items such as furniture, carpets and other floor coverings, household textiles and soft furnishings, household appliances and other household items such as utensils, tools, garden equipment and non-durable items for cleaning, washing and other day to day household activity.  Also included are services such as electrical repair, cleaning and gardening.

06    Health

Includes medical products, appliances and equipment, hospital charges and out patient services supplied by doctors, dentists, opticians, physiotherapists and practitioners of alternative and complimentary medicine.

07    Transport

Includes the purchase of new and second hand vehicles, spare parts, car maintenance, fuels and lubricants, public transport and services such as parking, motor association subscriptions, car wash, toll charges, driving lessons, driving test, driving licence and car hire.

08    Communications

Postal and telecommunications services.

09    Recreation and Culture

Includes items such as audio visual and photographic equipment, computers, music and DVDs, sports and recreation goods, games and toys, items connected with gardening and pets, recreational, sporting and cultural activities and events, newspapers and other reading material, package holidays and other items connected with recreation and culture.

10    Education

Includes pre-primary and primary, secondary, third level fees and other education and training such as night courses and examination fees.

11    Restaurants and Hotels

Includes meals in restaurants and hotels, fast food and takeaways, cafes and canteens; alcohol consumed on or within a licensed premises and accommodation services supplied by hotels, guesthouses and hostels.

12    Miscellaneous Goods and Services

Covers a wide range of items including hairdressing and other grooming; goods for hygiene, hair and body care; personal goods such as jewellery, handbags and wallets; childcare and other social protection services; insurance, financial services and other services including funerals, weddings, legal and professional services.  The household charge was added to this division, in the CPI, under the item 'miscellaneous goods and services' in April 2012.  The household charge subsequently became the local property tax in July 2013. The local property tax is not included in the HICP.

Calculating percentage changes in the index

The movement of the CPI, HICP and their subindices are expressed as percentage changes, rather than changes in index points, because index point changes are affected by the level of the index in relation to its base period, whereas percentage changes are not.  The example below illustrates the computation of index point and percentage changes.

 

Index point change  
Current index 106.7
Less previous index 103.7
Equals index point change 3.0
   
Percentage change  
Index point change 3.0
Divided by the previous index 103.7
Equals 0.0289
Result multiplied by 100 0.0289 x 100
Equals percentage change 2.9

 

Estimating Contributions

A contribution represents the amount of the overall percentage change in the All Items CPI which is accounted for by any given category.  It can be estimated for any category in the CPI (e.g. the twelve COICOP 2-digit divisions) and for any period of time.

Data Required:

  1. Base weight for the category for which you wish to estimate the contribution.
  2. Current index for the category in question (same base period).
  3. Previous index for the category in question (same base period).
  4. All Items CPI for the previous period in question (i.e. the start period).

Example:

To estimate the contribution of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (COICOP 01) to the overall annual percentage change in the CPI up to July 2006 you would need the following data

 

1 Base weight for COICOP 01 (base:December 2001=100) 14.092%
2 Current Index (i.e. July 2006) for COICOP 01 103.7
3 Previous Index (i.e. July 2005) for COICOP 01 102.1
4 All Items CPI for the previous period (i.e. July 2005) 111.3

                        

Steps in the calculation

Step 1 Multiply the base weight by the current index 14.092 x 103.7
  Equals (1) 1461.3404
Step 2 Multiply the base weight by the previous index 14.092 x 102.1
  Equals (2)  1438.7932
Step 3 Subtract figure (2) from figure (1) 1461.3404 - 1438.7932
  Equals (3) 22.5472
Step 4 Divide figure (3) by the All Items CPI for the previous period 22.5472 / 111.3
  Equals Contribution 0.20

                                                                                                                                              

Therefore your estimated contribution of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages to the percentage change in the CPI for the year to July 2006 is 0.20.  The actual published figure was 0.19.  The difference is due to the fact that actual published contributions are calculated using data to more decimal places.

It is more complicated to estimate contributions where more than one base period is involved, as the base weights will have changed (e.g. to estimate a contribution for the period January 2000 to January 2005 involves the November 1996=100 base and the December 2001=100 base).  For assistance in this regard please contact the CPI section.

Data Dissemination on www.cso.ie

The CSO website (www.cso.ie) now holds a range of CPI data.  Within the Consumer Prices section of the website (accessed via the ‘Prices’ link on the homepage), a range of principle statistics are held including overall annual percentage changes from 1977 to date, All Items CPI annual figures from 1996 to date and COICOP division monthly and annual figures from 2002 to date.

Further data can be accessed at www.cso.ie by clicking on ‘Databases’ and ‘Statbank CSO Main Data Dissemination Service’.  The subject area is ‘Economy’, ‘Prices’, ‘Consumer Prices’ and ‘Consumer Prices - Annual Series’ or ‘Consumer Prices - Monthly Series’.  The website is updated each month at 11am on the CPI publication day.

The Database Direct for the CPI contains monthly and annual index numbers and percentage changes for the following categories and time periods:

 

Category  Period
All Items CPI  1975 to date
12 COICOP Divisions  1975 to date

Special CPI Subindices (CPI excluding Tobacco, Energy Products, etc)

1982 to date
Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (HICP) 1997 to date

                                                                                                                                                                                                             

In addition, the following data can also be accessed within Database Direct.

  • Monthly index numbers and annual percentage changes for the Constant Tax Price Index from January 1997 to December 2006.
  • National average prices for selected CPI goods and services from January 1997 to date.
  • All Items CPI numbers for various base periods from 1922 to date.
  • Detailed sub-indices are available from 2003 to date. 

Any queries relating to the usage of the web dissemination database for CPI data should be directed to cpi@cso.ie

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