The number of people signing on the live register for more than a year has increased by 2.1 per cent in the past six months, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Despite an overall decrease of 8,795 in the live register to 149,269 in the six months to October 2006, there was an increase of 953 in the number of people signing on for a year or more.

Last month, a total of 30.5 per cent of all claimants were long-term, compared to 28.2 per cent in April and 29.1 per cent in October 2005.

The number of long-term unemployed stood at 45,544 in October, compared to 43,540 at the same period last year, a rise of 2,004 on the year.

Of those making claims for one year or more, according to the CSO figures, the largest percentage was among the 45-54 year age group, while those aged under 20 showed the lowest percentage.

Of all claimants on the live register in October, 35.7 per cent of males and 23 per cent of females were long-term claimants.

Fine Gael's enterprise, trade and employment spokesman, Phil Hogan, said: "It is clear from the latest live register figures that there has been a proportionate increase in long-term unemployment.

"Indigenous industry and export-dependent industries are finding it increasingly difficult to trade due to the high cost environment that has been created by this Government.

"The warnings from the National Competitiveness Council regarding our high cost base, as well as the cost threat to the manufacturing sector, are not being heeded by Minister Micheál Martin.

Mr Hogan added that the minister "has no plan, no initiative, and no new ideas to meet these future challenges".