The President of the European Commission says the Irish economy has turned a corner.

Jose Manuel-Barroso has been speaking at the IBEC CEO Conference in Dublin.

Over 400 chief executives and senior leaders from industry and politics are attending the conference.

This year’s event is focusing on the European business model.

It is discussing the on-going impact of the Eurozone crisis, the challenges and opportunities for business competing in the European and global economy and the role Ireland, and Irish business is playing in Europe.

The European Parliament President Schulz is also with Mr. Barroso in Dublin for key meetings with the Irish Presidency.

"Light at the end of the tunnel"

President Barroso said confidence is returning throughout Europe but more needs to be done to tackle youth unemployment.

He also said there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"(The) Irish economy is turning the corner - the employment figures just published today suggest clearly that this may be happening" he said.

"It shows that the programmes can work, it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel - and it shows that you can be part of creating that positive growth" he added.