Minister plays down concerns about growing job losses

Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin has played down concerns that the jobs market may be stagnating.

Several hundred jobs have been lost in manufacturing industries in recent months and another 200 are set to go at Shannon Airport following agreement on a cost-cutting deal last night.

Asked about the matter this morning, Mr Martin insisted that the jobs market was still buoyant, with more jobs being created than lost every year.

He also said the Government was focused on attracting high-quality jobs to ensure those who are made redundant can find well-paid alternative employment.