Number on the dole doubles in a year

THE numbers claiming the dole doubled year-on-year for the first time this month according to figures published by the Central Statistics Office — but experts believe there is still cause for optimism.

In the year to April 2009, the numbers on the Live Register of social welfare claimants rose from 195,598 to 384,448 — an increase of 96.6%.

In the month from March to April alone, the number rose by 15,800 of which 9,300 were male.