Unemployment falls in March, but foot-and-mouth takes toll

By Andrew Bushe

DUBLIN — Unemployment in the Republic of Ireland was 3.6 percent in March, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office. The number signing on the State’s Live Register for benefits fell to 135,893, the lowest March figure since 1981.

Social Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said the foot-and-mouth crisis had resulted in 585 signing on for unemployment benefits up to the end of the month.

The minister said that of those signing on for benefits, 15 percent had been out of work for under three months, 51 percent for over three months and 12 percent had casual work and got a state handout for part of the week.

"I am confident that with our continuing success in containing the disease, those who find themselves without a job now will be back working shortly," Ahern said.

Ahern, whose constituency takes in the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, where the country’s only outbreak was confirmed last month, said people there have been through an "unparalleled trauma."

The minister launched an intensive support service for families in the area, which provides advice and counseling.

Ahern said the campaign would concentrate on farm management and financial support and deal with choices like early retirement and off-farm work.