Job creation 'the State's real challenge'
The high percentage of those on the Live Register who are long-term unemployed "is worrying and is growing", the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed has said, adding that job creation is now the State's main challenge.
New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show 45% of people signing on the Live Register are in long-term unemployment (one year or more).
The CSO said the seasonally adjusted total fell by 400 in September to 435,200 people, which is the lowest level in more than two years.
The report also shows the rate of unemployment last month stood at 14.8%, unchanged from August.
Brid O'Brien of the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed said: "The percentage of long-term unemployed needs to be addressed. It's worrying and it's growing.
"Job creation is the real challenge facing the State."
