Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge in FBD case wants to see progress on quantum of loses owed to publicans

Date
2022-02-17

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a High Court case involving FBD and Irish publicans, Mr Justice Denis McDonald urged parties to resolve the unresolved quantum of losses owed to pub owners who had successfully challenged FBD's refusal to pay out on business‑disruption claims caused by Covid‑19. The judge noted that last year he had found that FBD's policy covered losses incurred when pubs closed due to the pandemic, and that he had issued subsequent judgments clarifying issues between the parties. However, the amount of compensation the publicans are entitled to remains undetermined. Mr Justice McDonald suggested that experts from each side meet without solicitors or clients to agree on figures, and that forensic accountants could help settle the dispute. He said he would not impose orders on how the parties engage outside court, but he wants progress before the next court appearance next month.