The legislation is being drawn up to comply with a European Court ruling.

It means that from December of this year insurers will not be allowed to discriminate between men and women for motor and life insurance.

This new law is being introduced to comply with a ruling from the European Court of Justice which found in favour of a consumer rights group arguing for unisex insurance premiums.

Women deemed less risky

At the moment many insurance companies charge women less than men for motor insurance as they are deemed less risky.

Women also pay less for life insurance because statistically they live longer but discrimination between the sexes will end by December.

Today the Justice Minister Alan Shatter announced the publication of a new Bill to provide for unisex insurance premiums in the areas of motor insurance, life assurance, critical illness cover, income protection cover, and pensions to come into force by December 21st.