Live register rise caused by FMD and US economy: Fine Gael

The foot-and-mouth crisis and a downturn in the US economy are at the root of the April live register increase, according to Fine Gael.

The party's Charlie Flanagan has called on the Government to reconsider calls for compensation from people indirectly hit by foot-and-mouth.

"The increase in the live register for April is a worrying reflection of the impact of the US downturn and the foot-and-mouth crisis are having on the Irish economy," he said today.

"The outright dismissal by the Taoiseach of calls for compensation for those indirectly hit by the FMD are both premature and unfair.

"It is estimated that the incomes of between 20,000 and 40,000 people have been seriously affected by FMD," he added.