A report launched today estimates that Government regulations are costing businesses up to €500m a year which could be avoided.
The Business Regulation Forum's report has identified a number of areas where it believes the amount of 'red tape' can be reduced.
These include tax returns, health and safety requirements, environmental legislation, employment and company law.
Enterprise, Trade & Employment Minister Micheál Martin said he had asked department secretary-general Sean Gorman to head efforts by Government departments and agencies - working with businesses - to look at ways of reducing the regulatory burden.
'In Europe significant steps are being taken to reduce regulatory pressures and it is imperative that Ireland follows that lead if competitiveness is to be maintained,' said the forum's chairman Donal de Buitléir of AIB.
The report says a target for regulation costs should be set - either an absolute amount or a percentage of GNP - based on what has been achieved in other countries.
