Consumer prices fell by 0.6% in the year to March.

According to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), transport costs dropped by 4.9% compared to the same time last year - mainly due to lower petrol and diesel prices, and a reduction in the price of cars.

There were also price falls in clothing and footwear - along with food and non-alcoholic beverages due to lower prices across a range of products.

The cost of food and household equipment also dropped.

However, education costs rose by 4.9%, mostly due to the extra costs associated with participating in third level education.

There were also increases in the costs associated with housing, water, electricity, restaurants and tobacco.

The CSO says these increased mainly due to higher rents and the introduction of water supply and sewage collection charges.

But it adds that these were partially offset by lower mortgage interest repayments and a decrease in the cost of home heating oil.

Dan O'Brien is chief economist with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).

He told Newstalk Lunchtime that while some prices are up, inflation as a whole is down.