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Supermac's founder Pat McDonagh has said he believes up to 20,000 job losses are imminent due to fraudulent insurance claims.

An outspoken critic of Ireland’s “compo culture”, he has hit out at exaggerated insurance claims and said spiralling costs will result in business closures.

Mr McDonagh maintains businesses will close and thousands of jobs will be lost unless something is done about bogus claims.

He said: “Unless action is taken immediately, there will be 15,000 to 20,000 jobs lost in the next 12 months.

“A lot of businesses right across the board are on the edge. It’s gone out of control.”

The businessman has revealed there are currently 60 personal injury claims pending against outlets across the country.

Mr McDonagh is determined to defend those he believes to be exaggerated.

The fast-food outlet boss has also accused the legal profession of driving the high rate of settlements and said he would like to see bogus claimants exposed.

(Image: Supermac's/PA Wire)

(Image: Gareth Chaney Collins)

He added: “It’s not just the fraudulent claims we have to look at – it’s who is making money from them. The legal profession are promoting all of this.”

“The problem is, there is no penalty or no accountability towards the claimant or none on the solicitor and that needs to change.

“I want to see those who try to sue me wrongfully exposed as they have to pay the price for their behaviour. It’s scary what’s happening.”

Like Mr McDonagh, a Cork publican is also looking to expose those who attempt to fraudulently claim from him.

Colin Tobin, who runs six businesses in the northside of the city, is willing to go as far as “naming and shaming” bogus claimants.

He said: “I want to blow the whistle on doctors for the part they are playing in it also, along with the insurance companies and solicitors.”

The publican admits it’s almost impossible not being hit by claims and said he is at his wits’ end.

He added: “When anyone sends a solicitor’s letter to the pub I have to pay €2,500 in excess pay even though they haven’t checked to see if its fraudulent or not.

“If I get four solicitors letters a year, I have to pay €10,000 to the insurance company on top of my premium which is another €10,000.”

“I am present in all of my businesses 24/7, there is absolutely no negligence.”