The major insurer is facing legal action from up to 1,000 publicans over its decision not to pay out on business interruption cover for any losses linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of test actions over whether FBD broke its agreement with publicans have been admitted to the fast-track Commercial Court and will be heard by Mr Justice David Barniville, the Irish Independent reports.

A spokesperson for FBD said the case currently being heard “will allow the issue of cover to be decided in a single set of court proceedings, therefore avoiding each pub owner concerned having to take their own legal actions and incurring the related costs”.