Insurance companies have been accused of "cartel-like behaviour" in an effort to push up the cost of car insurance.

That's the finding of the Oireachtas finance committee, which is calling for the Central Bank to take a greater role.

The report calls for a mandatory database for insurers to share data amongst themselves to make the cost of premiums more transparent.

Chairman John McGuinness says the Central Bank is responsible for taking care of consumers - but hasn't been doing its job: