The rate of unemployment has fallen below 10% for the fist time since January 2009. Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show the rate is now at 9.9%.

The Quarterly National Household survey shows almost two million people are now in work in Ireland.

There was an annual increase in employment of 2.2% - or 41,300 - in the year to the first quarter of 2015, bringing total employment to 1,929,500.

This compares with an annual increase of 1.5% in the previous quarter, and an increase of 2.3% in the year to the first quarter of 2014.

In total, 212,800 people are considered to be unemployed - which is down 45,300 on last year.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 10.4% to 9.9% over the quarter, while the number of unemployed people fell by 10,000.

This figure also reflects an increase in full-time employment, and a decrease in part-time.

And the long-term unemployment rate also dropped from 7.3% to 5.9% over the year.

It marks the eleventh successive quarter where the unemployment rate has declined.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton told The Right Hook this news is proof that the Government's strategy is working.

“I think it also gives us confidence that as we set ourselves a target of getting everyone back to work, in terms of full employment on a sustainable basis, that we have the capacity to do this.”

Mr Bruton said the increase in employment is “contributing into the exchequer so we can do things new things in public services and relief on the tax front.

“This is a virtuous circle that we need to build upon.”

Listen to the full Right Hook interview with Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton here

The Tánaiste Joan Burton told the Pat Kenny Show the government has now exceeded their own targets.