The number of unemployed rose marginally last month when seasonally adjusted, pushing the jobless rate up to 4.6 per cent from 4.5 per cent, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Although the Live Register fell by 4,247 to 168,880 in March, the seasonally adjusted figure rose by 300 to 170,400

The month-on-month unadjusted decrease was across all regions, with the most pronounced drop in the south-west (down 4.2 per cent) and the midlands (down 3.3 per cent).

In the same month, there were 1,967 notified redundancies, compared to 2,353 for February. Commentators said the findings were broadly positive. The Live Register returns suggested the labour market was in its strongest position for several years, said Mr Jim Power, chief economist at Friends First.

He said: "The omens for the labour market are now more positive than they have been for some time. National accounts data released over the past week show that while the overall economy was significantly stronger in the final quarter compared to the early months of the year, there was a particularly strong rebound in investment. This suggests that business is starting to become more confident and more expansionary again and this should result in stronger job creation over the coming year."

But opposition politicians cautioned against complacency.

Mr Brendan Howlin, Labour enterprise spokesman, said: "Whilst we are a long way from the jobs crisis of the late 80s and early 90s, the Government needs to continue its efforts in stimulating employment and attracting investors to Ireland.

"In the last year a number of large employers have sought to relocate to parts of the world where labour costs are cheaper. This challenge will increase with the accession of the new member states to the European Union in May."

The Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed said heavy lay-offs in January and February did not augur well for the rest of the year.

Policy officer Ms June Tinsely said: "2003 saw the highest number of redundancies recorded in 19 years and already the figures for January and February 2004 are in excess of those recorded in the same months last year. It is not a time for complacency but for action to ensure appropriate employment opportunities for all."