CSO reports further sharp rise in Live Register figures
The Central Statistics Office has reported another sharp increase in the number of people signing on for unemployment assistance.
The latest figures show an extra 8,500 people were on the Live Register in February, following an increase of 7,800 in January.
Over the past year, the numbers signing on have increased by more than 30,000, or almost 19%.
February's increase consisted of 7,000 men and 1,500 women.
The standardised unemployment rate during the month was 5.2%.
