OVER half of the 251 businesses surveyed by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland and accountants Ernst & Young reported an increase in domestic sales in the third quarter of 1995.

"The most recent results show continuing optimism by the business sector about the outlook for 1996. Firms are more bullish about most of the key indicators contained in this survey compared to results from the second quarter," said CCI chief executive Mr Paul Skehan.

Almost one-third of the firms surveyed said that their export sales had increased while 70 per cent said that their turnover had increased in the quarter. And 19 per cent said that they expect to increase their workforce over the next 12 months.