According to the Central Statistic Office (CSO) 19,300 jobs were created in Ireland during the first three months of 2017.

The total number of people employed rose by 3.5%, or 68,000, during the 12 week period. It was the 19th consecutive quarter of expansion.

The total number of people in the labour force at the end of the first quarter of 2017 was 2,191,400.

The corresponding increase in the first quarter of 2016 was 2.4%.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 7.1% to 6.8% over the quarter. It subsequently fell again in April to 6.2%. That was its lowest level in nearly nine years.

The long-term unemployment rate decreased from 4.7% to 3.6% in the year to March.

The largest increases were in the information and communication (+8.8% or 7,500) and the construction (+8.5% or 11,100) sectors.