Govt urged to reduce red tape

A body set up by the Government to improve the way businesses are regulated is calling for a new five-year programme to help reduce red tape.

The Business Regulation Forum says bureaucracy is costing companies in Ireland €500m-a-year.

It wants the Government to make it easier for businesses to deal with tax issues, as well as environmental laws and health and safety regulations.

The forum says jobs could be lost and Ireland could lose a competitive advantage if such action is not taken.