The number of people in employment increased by 3.2% or 58,000 in the year to the end of September. The numbers unemployed fell by almost 13% or just under 42,000 during the period.

It means the rate of unemployment is down from 13.6% to 12.8%.

The latest Quarterly National Household Survey from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) represents the fourth successive quarter recording an annual rise in employment and the largest increase since the end of 2007.

And it brings the total number of people in employment in Ireland to just under one point nine million.

During the year to the end of September there was a fall of 12.8% or 41,700 in the number of people unemployed to 282,900.

The rate of unemployment is down as a result from 13.6% to 12.8% - the lowest level since 2009.

The long-term term unemployment rate has also fallen from 8.9% to 7.6% - with over half of those unemployed jobless for over a year.

The Social Protection Minister says more than 1,000 people a week are returning to work in a further sign of economic recovery.

However Joan Burton says there are still far too many people out of work and tackling unemployment will remain the government number one priority.

She spoke to Lunchtime here on Newstalk.