The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) and the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) have confirmed they are in merger discussions. In statements yesterday, both bodies stressed they already enjoyed a high level of co-operation and that a merger would have to be approved by their members. The ICAI, which is the biggest professional body for accountants, said the talks were part of its efforts to improve the standing of the profession and to improve the services it provided for its members.