The number of people claiming the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has fallen to just under 219,900 - a reduction of 5,100 over the last week.
This represents a fall of 63% from the peak of the pandemic, when 598,000 people were completely reliant on the PUP for income support.
In addition to those claiming the PUP, a further 244,600 unemployed people were on the Live Register at the end of July.
Over the last seven days, 9,265 people closed their PUP claims, of whom 7,716 reported that they were returning to work.
6,256 will receive their final payment tomorrow.
The top sectors in which people returned to work this week were Education (1,500) followed by Accommodation and Food Services (800), Transportation and Storage (800 ) and Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles (700).
The largest cohort by age returning to their jobs were aged 45-54 (1,800), followed by 35-44 year olds (1,700) and over-55s (1,600).
The Minster for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said it was "encouraging" to see more and more people closing their PUP claims as they go back to work.
She noted the drop this week was mainly attributable to the education sector, adding: "I wish to acknowledge the huge effort made by all in this sector whose work and determination have enabled our schools to reopen after being closed for so long."
While the PUP scheme has been extended to the end of March next year, the rates of payment for some claimants will fall from 17 September.
The current top rate of €350 per week will drop to €300 for those who were earning over €300 per week prior to the pandemic.
A new middle rate of €250 will apply for those earning between €200 and €300 pre-coronavirus.
The lower rate of €203 for those who were earning less than €200 before Covid-19 remains unchanged.
From 1 February, the top rate will fall to €250, and on 1 April - when the PUP scheme expires - it will be set at €203 - the same rate as Jobseeker's Benefit.
Meanwhile 58,800 people have now availed of the Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit of €350 per week.
Over 7% (4,432) actually contracted the virus, while the remainder were required to self-isolate on a precautionary basis.
As of today, 1,147 people are receiving the Enhanced Illness Benefit.
Since the beginning of September, eight people have been medically certified with having coronavirus, while 292 others have been certified to self-isolate on a precautionary basis.
The Department of Social Protection is also reminding parents and guardians of students that they may be able to avail of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to assist with educational costs.
The payment, which is means-tested, has been extended to include parents and guardians who are claiming the PUP - and applications must be submitted by 30 September.
PUP claimants may also avail of the Back to Education Allowance with the usual nine month qualifying period waived.
