Irish consumer confidence rose marginally in October - reversing a slight weakening which occurred during the previous month.

The KBC Bank Ireland/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 101.3 in October - up from 100.6 in September. The wider picture however is that a steady rise experienced since the beginning of 2012 has plateaued.

The report says that the small fluctuations experienced in the previous three months are "not statistically significant," and that they reflect a "broadly stable level of confidence."

It adds that Irish consumers are uncertain about their financial prospects as Ireland's recovery continues against the backdrop of increasing global financial instability heading into retailers' crucial Christmas season.

Only 15% of the respondents were surveyed after the Budget was announced - although the report points out that most of the policies introduced were well sign-posted by the middle of the month.

While 60% of respondents believe that the Irish economy will improve in the next 12 months, only 29% are confident that their own financial situations will improve, and just 24% said that their own financial situation has gotten better during the last year.

Overall euro zone consumer sentiment experienced a slight dip in October - while the US and the UK mirrored Ireland, registering gains.