Enterprise Ireland forecasts jobs hike

STATE-BACKED business ventures ought to generate more jobs than they lose in 2004 the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business was told.

Enterprise Ireland boss Frank Ryan told the committee his organisation was optimistic that on the basis of figures to date more jobs would be created than lost in 2004. For the first time in several years a positive outcome was on the cards, he said.

But Mr Ryan warned of dangers ahead to job creation.