Ireland's rate of inflation dropped slightly last month - by 0.1 per cent - to a new level of 5.3 per cent but stayed well above the European Union average.
Central Statistics Office figures show lower housing prices and mortgage rates had helped bring down the index, while the costs of transport, fuel and light, food and services had gone up.
The CSO also reported the harmonised rate of price rises for May was 4.3 per cent, double the EU target. The European figure excludes some goods and services but includes tourist expenditure.
Fine Gael finance spokesman Mr Jim Mitchell said the figures indicate inflation was remaining stubbornly high and contributing to the numbers of redundancies through Ireland's loss of competitiveness.
The Government Chief Whip Mr Seamus Brennan welcomed the figures saying they "reflect the further moderation in the rate of price increases and show that inflationary pressures are continuing to ease." PA
