Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the key to employment growth in Ireland, according to the European Investment Bank (EIB).

This comment was made as the lender reiterated its support for the country by way of an official visit from the EIB vice-president for Ireland, Plutarchos Sakellaris.

In close harmony with local banks, the EIB plans to provide more assistance for SMEs in Ireland, as well as focusing on projects in the education, energy and transport sectors.

Key capital investment needs to continue at a difficult economic time for the country, Mr Sakellaris said - and last year some €260 million was made available to small firms via credit lines with Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish.

"We are confident that industry, transport, social infrastructure, health and education will continue to benefit from EIB support in coming years," he added.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates saw the national figure drop by 0.1 percentage points from January to February this year, according to the Central Statistics Office Ireland.

Compared to the same time period last year, unemployment levels are up - February saw the total hit 12.6 per cent. February 2009's total reached 10.1 per cent.