The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) has announced the first steps towards implementing the recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board's (MIAB) report.

The federation has proposed improved insurance deals for disabled drivers and retired drivers but chief executive Mr Michael Kemp indicated legislative changes would have to be introduced if there was to be further progress in implementing the remaining recommendations set out in the report. Mr Kemp said premiums could not be controlled until the costs associated with insurance claims were controlled.

The MIAB report revealed that compensation claims were 10 times higher than in Britain.

IIF spokesman Mr Martin Long said it was unlikely that the cost of premiums would decrease until a Personal Injuries Assessment Board was set up. "Such a board would reduce legal fees incurred over claims and would have a knock-on effect on the cost of premiums."