Enterprise Ireland has said Irish exporting companies performed well last year creating nearly 4,000 new jobs.

In its end of year statement the government agency said this was the highest net gain since 2006.

The strongest sectors are software, business services, food and machinery while areas such as construction and forestry have suffered.

Enterprise Ireland invested over €250 million into Irish companies last year helping to create 13,642 jobs.

9,838 jobs were lost leaving an overall gain of 3,804 jobs.

Praise for job numbers

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton says it is a remarkable achievement and that Ireland's is an economy in transition, fighting back with the government's ambition that it becomes the best small country in which to do business in Europe.

For Enterprise Ireland CEO Frank Ryan a standout achievement from 2012 is the Kerry Group announcement it is to set up a a Global Food Innovation Centre in Naas, Co. Kildare with 900 jobs.

He says it has 'changed the game', confirming Ireland's position in the food industry for several decades to come and he compared its significance to Intel's arrival in Leixlip, Co. Kildare in 1989.

Enterprise Ireland client companies employed over 172,000 people in 2012 and of these 145,908 are full-time jobs.

In its end of year statement it notes that the world economy is predicted to grow moderately in 2013 but Frank Ryan says the year ahead will be one of continuing challenges.

Commenting on the report the Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton said"I am determined through my Department to continue to drive the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and support an indigenous engine of economic growth".

"This is central to my plan for revitalising the economy. Enterprise Ireland, and the various supports it provides to domestic businesses, particularly in the exporting sector, will be a key part to this" he added.