Forbairt assisted companies created 10,678 jobs last year. The performance was boosted mainly by increased sales and the continuing boom in the economy.

However, when jobs lost are subtracted the net increase is 2,688 the largest such increase since 1979.

Forbairt, which is charged with assisting indigenous firms, said prospects for this year were extremely promising and sales are up 8 per cent on last year in firms which it assists.

Approximately £100 million in additional sales was generated by the consumer foods sector last year, according to Mr Dan Flinter, Forbairt chief executive.