The Irish manufacturing sector showed modest expansion in August, but export conditions remain difficult, according to the latest industrial survey.
The NCB Purchasing Managers' Index for August registered 51.1, indicating modest growth. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.
Although the August figure indicated a sector just treading water, NCB chief economist Dermot O'Brien noted that employment grew after three months of small declines.
Average prices paid by the manufacturing sector for inputs showed a further strong increase in August, which many firms linked to higher oil prices.