The number of people signing on the Live Register has dropped below 200,000 for the first time since 1983, according to the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs. Data from Mr Dermot Ahern's department shows there were 199,661 on the register on April 16th - a fall of 4,500 on the previous week. "We have now passed a critical milestone on the road to full employment," said Mr Ahern.

"Unemployment is now at its lowest level for 16 years, despite the fact that we now have a much larger workforce."