Union leaders say new figures showing a drop in the annual rate of inflation do not undermine their 5% pay claim.
Inflation fell to 4.4% last month, from 5% in June.
Though the summer sales were thought to have been a factor, prices across a range of food and drink products were also lower.
SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor insisted that while the drop was welcome, it did not affect his union’s projection of 5% inflation for this year as a whole.
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said pressures applied by the National Consumer Agency and the Government were responsible for much of the decrease.
She said debate on value for money in recent weeks had raised consumer awareness about the choices available to them on price and quality
