The manufacturing sector is showing continuing signs of improvement as it rose to its fastest rate since August.
The NCB Stockbrokers Purchasing Managers' Index increased to 53.4 in October from 52.5 the previous month, fuelled by growth in export orders.
New orders for the month grew at their fastest rate since January 2000, dampening speculation over Ireland's competitiveness.
The costs index showed the fluctuating oil prices finally hitting home, growing to 62; prices charged by firms showed a more modest 53.2.
The index also showed employment levels rising for the third month in a row, as new work drove labour demand. However, the rate of job creation declined slightly from September levels, with some sectors claiming to have difficulty finding appropriately skilled workers.