Reckitt & Coleman, which manufactures household cleaning products, is to create 70 new jobs at its new European shared services centre in Dublin. The centre will provide support for the group's European business, which are located in 13 states.

The location of the new site has still to be decided with the bulk of the jobs expected to be filled by accountants, information systems managers, technicians and clerical staff.

The announcement was welcomed by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney yesterday.

Reckitt & Coleman manufactures a range of households and pharmaceutical products in 30 countries. The group employs 15,900 people globally. Its products include Dettol, Disprin and Lemsip.

It has been established here since 1909 and has a manufacturing site at Castlebellingham, Co Louth and a sales and marketing office at Clondalkin in Dublin. Some 190 people are employed between both operations.