Jobless rate falls to 4.7 percent

DUBLIN — The unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in April — the lowest since September 1982 — despite a small increase in the number signing on for benefit during the month as a result of the Easter holidays, according to figures released this week by the Central Statistics Office.

The number signing on the live register for unemployment payments rose by 1,300 in April to 165,200.

The number signing on has fallen by 34,600 since April 1999 when the unemployment rate was 5.7 percent.