The unemployment rate stands at 4.4% according to the Central Statistics Office Ireland (CSO). Male unemployment is at 4.7%, while female unemployment is at 4.2%. Youth unemployment (15 - 24 year olds) stands at 10%, while those over 25 years of age have an unemployment rate of 3.7%.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July 2017 was 6.4%, up from 6.2% in June 2017 and down from 8.1% in July 2016. The seasonally adjusted number of persons unemployed was 141,100 in July 2017, up from 139,900 when compared to the June 2017 figure and a decrease of 35,800 when compared to July 2016.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June 2017 was 6.3%, down from 6.4% in May 2017 and down from 8.3% in June 2016. The seasonally adjusted number of persons unemployed was 139,400 in June 2017, down from 140,300 when compared to the May 2017 figure and a decrease of 42,100 when compared to June 2016.

The CSO (Central Statistics Office) has announced the average weekly earnings. €675.53 is the weekly rate of pay or €35,127 per annum. The average working week is 32 hours per week. The CSO also announced that they have estimated a decrease in the numbers unemployed. 12.8% are now on the live register. There are 2.1 million people in the labour force with 1.4 million not in the labour force.

SIPTU, Ireland's largest union, has called on the government to provide more Youth Training. According to CSO figures for 2012 there were more than 45,000 under 25s not in employment, education or training. The government is due to sign a European agreen which will see €6billion directed towards a Youth Guarantee scheme.