Average consumer prices in Ireland have fallen for the ninth month in a row, according to the latest inflation figures from the CSO. The statistics agency says prices fell by 0.8% last month and by 5.9% in the 12 months to July. This compares to a 5.4% decline in the year to June. The CSO says the most notable changes over the past year have been a 27% reduction in the category that includes mortgage repayments, as well as electricity and gas bills. Clothing and footwear prices have fallen 11%, while food and drink prices are down 4.2% and transport costs are down 6.2%. The cost of alcohol and tobacco has increased by 7.7% in the past year, while education costs are up by 4.4% and health costs by 3.4%.