Investment by foreign firms plummets 60%

THE spectacular multi-billion fall in direct foreign investment in Ireland by multinational companies last year is estimated at $8,000 per Irish worker.

State agency Forfás, which advises the Government on industrial development, last night warned the worrying trend is continuing into 2002.

A report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) confirmed a 60% drop in foreign companies' investment here.