2015 will be the year for people going back to work, according to the Tánaiste Joan Burton.
Ms Burton's comments come after official figures show unemployment fell from 11.5% to 11.1% in the three months from the end of June.
The Central Statistics Office also says the number of people at work is at its highest in five years.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny had said 2014 would be the year for jobs, and the Tánaiste says the best is yet to come.
She said: "In the adjusted figures published today, unemployment has fallen below a quarter of a million in Ireland.
"But, and this is the but, it means that in terms of the Department of Social Protection, we have to redouble our efforts now.
"So I am saying to all of the civil servants in my department, particularly the senior management, 2015 will be the year of people going back to work."