The future of the Dublin operations of Netscape, the Internet browser specialist company, is safe for the moment, an IDA spokesman predicted yesterday, after the firm announced higher-than-expected fourth quarter losses.

Netscape had set up in Dublin as part of a rationalisation plan, the IDA spokesman said. "The set-up in Ireland is part of their future development," he added.

After fourth quarter losses of £63 million were announced on Tuesday, Netscape president, Mr Jim Barksdale, said the restructuring of the business was complete. "As a result, the company has taken a restructuring charge of $23 million (£16.5 million)...in connection with a reduction in workforce, the closing of certain facilities and other write-offs," he added.