Business activity in Ireland’s services sector rose for the first time in 27 months in April fuelling speculation that the economy may be emerging from recession.
The latest NCB Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.0 last month from 49.6 in March, breaking through the 50 barrier separating growth from contraction.
The sub-index measuring new business rose to 51.4 from 48.2, also the first time in positive territory since January 2008.
The Government has said it expected the economy to return to growth in the second half of the year following the euro-zone's longest running recession, though some economists say growth could already have taken place in the first quarter.
"It will be sometime before the end of the recession is felt on the ground, but technically at least it looks to have come to an end," said Brian Devine, economist at NCB Stockbrokers, interpreting the PMI data.
Another PMI survey on Monday showed Irish manufacturing output in April grew at the fastest pace in 10 years, contributing to a further improvement in the overall conditions in the sector.
"April data indicated that Irish service providers remain optimistic regarding the prospects for future activity levels," said Markit, which compiles the data.