The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) is calling on the new Government to tackle the rising cost of insurance for the sector.

The call comes as the organisation holds its 43rd annual conference in Wexford this week.

400 publicans will attend the gathering to discuss water rates, excise duty and job creation amongst other items.

VFI CEO Padraig Cribben has said urgent action is required on insurance.

“The Government need to fully and further empower the Personal Injuries Board,” said Cribben.

“To make sure that, instead of that (the Personal Injuries Board) becoming kind of a stepping stone – that it becomes the place where the vast majority of claims are fixed.”