Irish companies sign €70m deals in China

Irish companies have signed contracts worth around €70m with Chinese firms over the past few days, according to Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin.

Mr Martin is currently in China along with the Taoiseach and three other cabinet colleagues as part of a five-day mission to improve trade and political links with the communist country.

Representatives from more than 200 Irish companies are also taking part in the mission. Speaking from Beijing today, the Minister said increased trade between the Ireland and China would help create jobs at home.

Asked about the loss of almost 300 jobs in Dublin yesterday, Minister Martin said he was confident they would be able to find alternative employment. "The overall employment situation is good in Ireland," he said.