The Leinster Society of Chartered Accountants has expressed concern that Irish business may be in the process of being over regulated.

Its chairman, Mr Ray Kilty, speaking at the chartered accountants published accounts awards ceremony, pointed to the "ever-increasing burden of regulation which is not co-ordinated over the various areas" and which "may result in Irish business being over regulated to the extent that the regulatory regime may be a disincentive for the continued well-being of our economy".

However, he conceded "we have not yet reached that point, so my comments are precautionary at this stage". The main published accounts award was won by CRH. This is the third time in a row that company has won the annual award. Ulster Investment won the category of companies with turnover of up to £100 million. Irish Pensions Board won the "not for profit organisation", Concern won the charity category, while Aer Rianta won the design award. The awards are organised by the Leinster Society of Chartered Accountants and sponsored by AXA Ireland.