ICTU rejects Taoiseach's deflation assertion

The Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has rejected the Taoiseach's assertion that a fall in the cost of living gives the Government more scope for cuts in the Budget.

Brian Cowen says just as unions seek compensation when prices are going up - the same principle also applies when they are falling.

The latest CSO figures show a fall in the cost of living by more than 6% in the last 12 months.