The number of people signing on the live register has fallen by 2,227 to 136,962 in November, according to the latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office.

In the year to November the numbers signing on fell by 34,824, leaving the register at its lowest level since November 1981, the CSO said.

Commenting on the figures, the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, said: "When analysed, the figures are even more impressive as a breakdown on the register shows that, of those receiving full weekly payments, only 74,000 have been on the live register for longer than three months."

When seasonal factors are taken into account, the underlying trend in November was an increase of 300 during the month, according to the CSO.

The Labour Party's spokesman on social, community and family affairs, Mr Tommy Broughan, said the increase was a reminder that jobs were still being lost in Ireland's booming economy.

"In a week in which the Quarterly National Household Survey showed there is a slowdown in the number of jobs being created, it is crucial that there continues to be a focus on the employment needs of those who continue to be on the live register," he said.

Despite the overall decrease in November, there was a small increase in the number of male unemployment benefit claimants.

There were also rises in the mid-west and the south-west regions during the month.

"Blackspots continue to be a reality for this economy," said Mr Broughan.

"Despite our national figures, we have failed to tackle the high levels of unemployment and poverty which exist in certain areas, both rural and urban, and among certain groups, such as people with disabilities."

The standardised unemployment rate in November was 3.7 per cent, the CSO said. This compares with 4.3 per cent in April 2000, based on the Quarterly National Household Survey.