Activity in the service sector rose in April but at its slowest pace since January, new data shows.
The latest Purchasing Managers' Index from AIB shows that new business growth also eased, contributing to a slower rate of job creation.
The headline index figure dropped from 56.6 in March to 53.3 in April.
Readings above 50 indicate overall growth in activity.
All four sub-sectors registered higher activity in April.
The Financial Services sector posted the fastest growth for the fifth month running, however the other three sectors all registered slower rates of expansion.
The Technology, Media & Telecoms sector was again the slowest-expanding area, having previously been the top ranked sector during much of last year.
Today's data shows that new business rose in April, but the rate of expansion lost the momentum it gained in March.
The Technology, Media & Telecoms sector registered lower intakes of new work for the first time in over three years.
Meanwhile, new export business growth also eased but remained relatively strong, driven by the Financial Services sector.
Employment continued to rise in the sector, but the pace of job creation dropped to a three-month low.
David McNamara, AIB Chief Economist said the inflationary picture remains mixed.
"On the input side, the rate of inflation eased for a second month running in April, but was still well above the long-run average," he said.
"Wages and fuel were cited as the main sources of higher costs by respondents in April.
"Firms also continued to raise prices for customers, with the output price index accelerating on the month," he added.
When it comes to the prospects for activity over the next 12 months, companies said they expect higher business activity. However, confidence eased to a seven month low.
On an international level, the rate of growth in the sector remained faster than both the flash US and Eurozone PMIs at 50.9 and 52.9, but it was behind the flash UK services PMI at 54.9.
