A "compo culture" is rampant in the Republic, generating horrendous costs for companies, the Small Firms' Association said yesterday. Publishing a survey of health and safety of its members, the group said the Government should radically overhaul the system dealing with personal injury claims.

Such awards were costing the industry and the State about £400 million a year, the SFA said, calling for the immediate introduction of a personal injuries tribunal, a measure currently being considered by the Cabinet.

"The tribunal however must operate in a practical manner without involving the time delays, costs and uncertainties of the court system," the lobby group said.