The number of people signing on the Live Register in Cork has dropped by 16% in the last year.

This good news for Cork comes as the CSO revealed that the Live Register has fallen below 250,000 nationally for the first time in nine years (September 2008). This figure represents a year on year decrease of 14.6%.

Senator Jerry Buttimer said: “It is very positive to see that the number of people signing on the Live Register in Cork has reduced by 16% in the last year.

“Furthermore, since Fine Gael’s Action Plan for Jobs was launched in February 2012, the Cork Live Register has decreased locally by 50%. This is 21,918 people who are back making a living, to the benefit of themselves, their families and the local communities in which they live.

“We can see clearly that the Action Plan for Jobs is working. Since 2012 the number of jobs in the economy has risen by over 230,000 with over two million people now at work in Ireland.

“What’s also very promising is the improvement in the long-term unemployment figure, which at the end of September 2017 stood at 105,339 people nationally. That is a significant drop of 19.3% year on year compared to September 2016 and a decrease of 32.8% compared to September two years ago.

“Fine Gael is working to build a republic of opportunity which will see everyone have a fair chance to reach their full potential. We envisage a society where there is equality of opportunity for everyone, and a second chance if they need one. Job Seekers Benefit and Allowance payments are a necessary support to those who need them, but of course we want to ensure that everyone who can work will have the opportunity to do so.

“We are moving towards full employment and we will ensure that all parts of Ireland can share in our prosperity and economic growth, including here in Cork.