The number of unemployed people in Ireland has fallen to its lowest level in a decade. However, youth unemployment remains unacceptably high and must be tackled urgently, according to a leading economist. In January, 2018 the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.5% for males, down from 6.6% in December 2017, and down from 7.5% in January 2017. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for persons aged 15-24 years (youth-unemployment rate) was 13.7% in January, a decrease from 13.8% in December. Alan McQuaid, chief economist with Merrion, described the youth unemployment rate as far too high and said it had to be addressed, with urgency, by the Government.

Source: Irish Examiner January 31, 2018 00:04 UTC