The Law Society recently released a statement encouraging people who believed that motor insurers used garda and social welfare records to help settle accident claims to contact the authorities. Gardai have confirmed that they have received complaints but declined to reveal how many.

The Sunday Tribune understands that a significant number of people have come forward and are being interviewed by a special investigation unit.

Ken Murphy, director general of the Law Society, has spoken of allegations that solicitors have received about unscrupulous tactics used by insurers.

"There have been rumours and allegations in the solicitors' profession for years about this type of improper activity by certain insurers.

"We have already received some complaints from accident victims via their solicitors regarding suspicions of illegal access to sensitive security and personal data.

"If it emerges that this has been the case, we would expect appropriate action to be taken against anyone who broke the law, " he added.

The Law Society has met with gardai investigating the allegations that former or serving gardai were hired by insurance companies to look into the background of accident victims so as to settle claims quickly and cheaply.

It is alleged that these former or serving gardai used Pulse or social welfare records and passed on personal information to insurance company investigators.

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has appointed Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock to inquire into the allegations and the investigation is set to take several months.

Data Protection Commissioner Billy Hawkes is also examining the claims and is to introduce new rules to govern the misuse of confidential information provided to gardai and insurance companies.

A code of practice for the insurance industry handling confidential data should be agreed by the end of the year.