The chief executive of the IDA, Barry O'Leary, says he is remains guardedly optimistic about Ireland's ability to continue to attract high levels of jobs this year.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News At One, Mr O'Leary said the immediate outlook was good for the next 3-4 months.
The comments come as the IDA reports it created 8,800 new jobs, while losing 10,000 positions out of a total of 136,000 jobs in IDA-backed companies last year.
Despite rising unemployment and a crisis in public finances, it says the immediate outlook is good for the next three to four months.
The IDA secured more job projects than it expected last year, pointing to its successes in luring big names such as Facebook, IBM and Coca Cola to Ireland.
The IDA says as companies here cut wages it also makes Ireland more attractive.
However, there will be job losses in 2009, with industry sources expecting that Dell will reduce its Limerick workforce from about 3,000 to between 750 and 1,200.
An announcement on that could be made in the coming days.
