Services sector at 13-month high

Ireland's services sector shrank at the slowest pace for more than a year last month, according to new figures.

The NCB Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 42.5 in June from 39.5 in May, the highest level since May 2008. Any reading above 50 indicates growth.

During June, activity still fell sharply as the economic downturn continued to affect the sector.

Client demand remained weak but the rate of job shredding was the slowest since October 2008.

The Irish index is based on questionnaires to a panel of 600 businesses under four broad headings; business services; financial services; technology, media and telecoms; and transport, tourism and leisure.