Increasing business links across the Border will be a central theme of the annual conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI), which will be held in Galway next month.

Other issues which will be addressed are quality standards in the accountancy profession, preparation for the euro, the volatile investment market and Year 2000.

Speaking at the announcement of details of the conference, which will take place from October 1st to 3rd, ICAI president, Mr Pierce Kent said it was particularly appropriate that the keynote address would be deliver by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern. "This is a historic year in terms in the opportunity for peace on our island and our members from North and South realise the importance of their support for those engaged in the challenge of bringing the peace process to fruition."

The conference will be sponsored by Ulster bank Commercial Services.