Fastfood chain Supermac's has called for immediate action on fraudulent or exaggerated personal injury claims. The chain has urged to Government to act on the issue and toughen laws against fraudulent claims.
Supermac's say their public liability insurance costs have rocketed in the past few years as a result of the growing compensation culture and the worrying trend of bogus or exaggerated claims.
The chain says that managing this issue is now the most pressing business challenge facing Supermac's and Irish business as a whole.
'People who perpetrate false or exaggerated claims for personal injury should be pursed as criminals through the court system,' according to Pat McDonagh, Chief Executive of Supermac's.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin today, McDonagh said he recognised the absolute right of the public to compensation in genuine cases, but said he felt the compensation culture had taken too strong a grip on the Irish psyche.
The current cost of personal injury compensation is well in excess of ?2 billion for 2001, according to figures from IBEC. Premiums in Ireland are amongst the highest in Europe.
Supermac's call for action is also backed by IBEC, ISME, the Vintners Federation of Ireland, CIE, Dublin Corporation and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland.
