New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show huge increases in the cost of energy and home heating as well as basic groceries in the last year.

Overall prices here rose by 1.6% in the year to September.

But in individual categories there were enormous increases in costs.

Electricity is up 9% in the last 12 months while gas increased 18% and home heating oil rose by 14%.

Health insurance is now a big drain on the household budget as it is 15% more expensive

There were increases across the basic food basket with fresh fruit and vegetables all increasing in price.

The biggest contributors were increases in the cost of education up almost 10% in the year.

Transport costs were up almost 8% while the price of drink, food and tobacco product climbed 4% in the year.

A slightly better picture emerged when prices in September were examined on a monthly basis.

Transport costs were down over 1% and that was mainly due to a decrease in airfares although this was partially off-set by further hikes in the cost of petrol and diesel.

Clothing and footwear were up slightly following the summer sales.

And alcohol and tobacco prices were up mainly because of higher prices for beer and spirits sold in supermarkets and off licences.

Charlie Weston is personal finance editor with the Irish Independent.

He says the list shows increases in the staples that make up the basic food basket for most households.

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