Figures from the Central Statistics Office show that there were 154,566 people on the Live Register in April, down 977 compared with the previous month.
But the seasonally adjusted figure rose by 1,200 to 158,200, the highest figure for more than a year. The unemployment rate remains low, however, at 4.5%.
The numbers on the Live Register fell in six of the eight regions, rising only in Dublin and the Mid-East.
Davy economist Rossa White said the Live Register was the latest weak data release from April. He pointed to a 2% rise in claimants since April last year as significant, as this was the biggest percentage increase for more than two years.
