Full coverage: FBD

During pre-trial talks, Paul Gallagher, now attorney general, is said to have struck a costs deal for his client FBD that would save the insurer a seven-figure sum. But the High Court has heard opposing counsel Michael Cush has a different recollection.

There was much to like in FBD’s recent three-paragraph market update: lower than expected net cost for business interruption claims, smaller personal injury claims, good weather and buoyant markets. The company added €60 million in value when markets opened.

With indoor drinking and dining set to resume, The Currency looks at the hospitality industry's ongoing legal struggle with multiple insurers. In the wake of the landmark FBD ruling, uncertainty continues to reign.

Four publicans won their test case against FBD Insurance over business interruption claims. Now the court has to determine what they can recover under their policies. Early closing hours, table-only service and staff costs are all at issue.

Legal editor Francesca Comyn won the award for her "informed and balanced account of the test case against FBD Insurance by publicans denied Covid-19 related business interruption cover".

The Central Bank set out its expectations that all "reasonable" legal costs would be covered in the test case in a letter sent last night, the High Court has heard.

Protector Forsikring is, like Berkshire Hathaway, an investor disguised as an insurer. It invests in “overlooked”, “unpopular” companies going through “temporary operational setbacks” – and it just bought 6.3 per cent of FBD. What does it see in the Irish insurer?

The Central Bank informed lawyers for Restaurant Association of Ireland members that it will not follow the UK regulator’s lead by bringing a court case to clarify the terms of multiple insurance policies held by restaurants and bars affected by Covid-19.

The pubs that challenged FBD's stance on Covid-related business interruption cover were vindicated by the High Court. Now there is the tricky business of assessing losses, particularly around two big sticking points: partial pub closures and legal costs.

His pubs may have been forced to shut, but Ernest Cantillon doubled turnover at his gin and whiskey company last year. He talks about navigating his businesses through the pandemic, taking out insurance with FBD and why he would never open a pub in Dublin again.