Soaring insurance costs are putting hundreds of jobs at risk in Ireland, a leading business development chief warned yesterday.
Speaking at the launch of Shannon Development agency's 2002 report, chief executive Kevin Thompstone said 700 jobs were lost in Ireland in 2002 as a result of soaring insurance rates.
He added: "In a recent survey of our client companies, businesses in the region were saying that domestic cost pressures, particularly insurance costs are the major concerns of business today.
"They are having an adverse effect on the competitiveness of business and must be met head on if companies are to survive, yet alone grow.
"Time is running out for tackling the competitive forces affecting business in Ireland."
