There were 47,300 fewer people unemployed in April compared with this time last year, according to the latest date published by the Central Statistics Office.

The tough decisions that the Government made over the last six years are being vindicated with a further drop in the unemployment rate.

The monthly unemployment figures for April show that the official unemployment rate has fallen from 6.4% in March to 6.2%.in April and looking at the year, the figures are down from 8.4% in April 2016.

“The latest unemployment stats released by the CSO show that Fine Gael is achieving what it set out to achieve in Government, getting Ireland back to work.

“Over 206,000 jobs have now been created in Ireland since the Action Plan for Jobs was launched in 2012. Unemployment has now more than halved since Fine Gael entered office in 2011.

“Of course, the fact that our economy is doing well is due to the people of Ireland. The Government can put the framework in place to deliver jobs, but it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our workforce that has companies all over the world looking to invest here.

“This in turn has a positive impact on our SMEs and local employers. Economic and social progresses go hand in hand. Only a strong economy supporting people at work can pay for the services needed to create a fairer society.

“We accept that the economic recovery remains incomplete and fragile. Many people have yet to feel the benefit of the upturn in the economy. I can assure you that your Fine Gael team are working night and day to make sure the recovery is felt by everyone.”

Commenting on the new figures Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: “The continuing fall in unemployment for April is very welcome news. Seeing the unemployment rate for April drop down to 6.2% from 6.4% last month and from 8.4% this time last year is very positive.

“It is important that we continue with our policies to ensure that job creation continues to grow right across the country. The CSO also released this morning data on Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland in 2015 which shows that Ireland has become one of the most globalised countries in the world.

“We are going in the right direction to make full employment in Ireland a reality. As we know being able to earn a livelihood is all important, allowing people to take charge of their future, to make plans and to have hope and optimism. I would like everyone to have that opportunity for self-determination and fulfilment through employment.”

ENDS