Minister says foreign investment remains strong

The Government says it expects a number of important job-creation announcements to be made before the end of this year.

Yesterday, Cork and Offaly suffered a double jobs blow with the news that Howley Civil Engineering and Boston Scientific are to lay off around 490 workers.

Despite the setback, Defence Minister Willie O'Dea insisted today that state agencies are working hard to secure foreign investment in Ireland.

He said a number of projects were in the pipeline and negotiations could be completed in the latter stages of this year.

The minister says the continuing strength of foreign investment reflects ongoing confidence in the Irish economy among overseas businesspeople.