540 new jobs have been announced at separate companies in Belfast and Dublin.

Up to 500 new jobs have been announced for Belfast by accountancy giant Ernst and Young at its offices in the city centre.

The various roles include consultancy, human resources, and finance. They will be phased in over the next four years.

The firm currently employs 145 people in Belfast, and it is estimated the new jobs will bring stg£19 million (€23 million) into the local economy.

First Minister Peter Robinson says Belfast is becoming increasingly attractive to companies.

Meanwhile 40 new jobs have been created by international technology company Diona in Dublin.

The announcement was made by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton at the official opening of the new global headquarters of the firm.

The positions will be across key areas including software engineering, services and global business support over the next year.