The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, today (Thursday) welcomed the publication of the latest Live Register figures, showing a continuing fall in the numbers of people signing on. The seasonally adjusted figures show a decline of 2,800 compared to the January figures and a decline of 44,356 compared to the February 2016 figures.

At the end of February, there were 117,048 long term Live Register claimants, over 40% fewer than the peak crisis number of 201,513 in August 2012.

The number of persons on the Live Register in February 2017 is the lowest number recorded in the seasonally adjusted series since November 2008.

Earlier this week, CSO figures showed that the unemployment rate fell to 6.6% down from 6.7 % in January and from 8.4% in February 2016.

Commenting on today’s figures Minister Mitchell O’Connor said “I’m pleased to note that the Live Register figures for February show a further decline in the number of people signing on. 2,800 less people on the Register compared to January shows continued progress in transitioning people into employment. It is especially welcome when the figures are compared to February 2016 – 44,356 less people on the Register now.”

“I’m also pleased to see the regional breakdown for this latest Live Register shows a reduction of at least 10% in all counties. We’ve seen the largest declines to date this year in Border, Midlands and South East counties which is very good news. Cumulatively, that’s evidence of real and substantial progress. It shows the Government and my Department’s focus and efforts on job creation, particularly in regions, is paying off. That said, there is no room for complacency. ”

“There is more work to be done to spread the benefit wider regionally and I am committed, with my Department and Government, to create the best possible environment to sustain and grow jobs across Ireland. I will also continue to liaise and work closely with Minister Varadkar and his Department. These numbers represent change for the better for 2,800 people in the last month, and for 44,356 in the last year. That is, and will continue to be, my focus.”