Continuing decline in jobless figures encouraging, says Varadkar

The unemployment rate has continued to fall slightly, reaching 12.4%, official data has revealed.

The number of people signing on the Live Register for benefits fell by 28,322 over the course of last year with the total on the dole at 395,411.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said he was encouraged by the figures which, he said, showed declines over the last 16 months.