Consumer sentiment sees slight improvement

There has been a slight improvement in consumer sentiment this month.

A KBC/ESRI survey has found that Irish consumer confidence is at a very low ebb, but is not completely in freefall.

The lowest sentiment was recorded in July 2008.

KBC Bank chief economist Austin Hughes said: "After the sharp decline that we've seen...in recent months, some correction was probably inevitable.

"It's also possibly the case that consumers are a little more clear on the economic outlook. They know how much pain they're likely to take in the up-coming Budget…It may be less threatening than the fear that gripped them in recent months."