The number of people on the Live Register fell by more than 1,000 in December on a seasonally-adjusted basis, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The data suggest that the unemployment rate remains stable at one of the lowest rates in the EU.

Adjusted for seasonal factors, the number of people claiming unemployment assistance and benefit fell to 156,600 in December. This level compares to 157,700 in November and is 2,900 lower than in December, 2004. Among those under the age of 25, the adjusted number of claimants fell slightly in December to 30,600, broadly the same as a year earlier.

According to the CSO, the adjusted number of Live Register claimants remained stable - between 154,000 and 160,000 - during the course of 2005. The average number of claimants was approximately 9,000 lower than the equivalent figure for 2004.

The fact that the fall in those claiming benefit is much smaller than the numbers of new jobs created in the economy is attributable to continued strong immigration

"A substantial proportion of the rise in employment last year was taken up by migrant workers from eastern Europe," said Alan McQuaid, chief economist with Bloxham Stockbrokers.

According to Davy stockbrokers, Ireland's unemployment rate is forecast to remain the lowest in the EU in 2006.