The number of people signing on the Live Register fell by 15,131 (8.1 per cent) in September to 170,822, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) this morning.
This compares to a fall of 12,131 (7 per cent) for September of last year.
When seasonal factors are taken into account, the total fell from 177,600 in August to 173,500 this month, a decrease of 4,100.
However, the Labour Party employment spokesman, Mr Brendan Howlin, said although the reduction in the numbers on the Live Register for September was welcome, the reality is that there is 10,000 more people on the Live Register this year than last year.
"This [the fall] appears to a 'one off' reflecting the return of schools and third-level institutions last month rather than indicating any significant change in the pattern of increase we have seen over the past 12 months," he said.
"These figures have to be seen against the background of figures published this week showing a further decline in industrial employment and a 60 per cent increase in the notified redundancies for September compared to the same month in 2002.
Today's figures also show that:
The standardised unemployment rate in September was 4.4 per cent. This compares with 4.4 per cent in April 2003, based on the Quarterly National Household Survey.
The monthly decrease of 15,131 comprised decreases of 10,124 females and 5,007 males.
In the month, the estimated number of casual and part-time workers on the Live Register was 8,073 males and 12,685 females.
The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to Unemployment Assistance or Benefit.
The CSO adds that there has been an impact on the Live Register figures this year due to operational changes made in the administration of the Back to Education Allowance scheme.
In June 2003 the unadjusted Live Register total increased by about 2,000; in September the total fell by just over 1,100 due to this change.