New figures from the Central Statistic Office (CSO) show that average weekly earnings rose to €703.83 across Ireland during the second quarter of this year.

The sector commanding the highest salaries is Information and Communications - which includes the IT sector - where workers earn €1,063.39. This equates to average annual salaries of more than €55,000.

Financial, insurance, and real estate workers were the second highest earners, making an average of  €1,014.66 per week.

On the other end of the scale were accommodation and food services sector, and the arts, entertainment, and recreation - paying out an average of between €331.81 and €467.77.

Average weekly takings for private sector workers increased by 1.5% during the six months to €644.98.

Pay in public sector jobs dipped but the average remains at €905.97.

The biggest percentage increase was in professional, scientific and technical activities sector which rose by 5%. This includes the legal and accounting firms.

Construction enjoyed a 4% bounce - to an average of €734.49 per week.