Michael D. Higgins
Question:23 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number, by rank and grade, of those on the Vote of his Department who are exclusively dealing with claims made for Army deafness. [23101/97]
Vol. 485 No. 3
23 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number, by rank and grade, of those on the Vote of his Department who are exclusively dealing with claims made for Army deafness. [23101/97]
41 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the number of cases taken by serving and former Defence Forces personnel for hearing loss which have been settled; the average amount paid in each case; the average legal cost in each case; if he has met the Law Society to discuss the question of legal fees; his views on whether the application of health and safety legislation to the Defence Forces would help avert these cases in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23092/97]
54 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the further studies, if any, into hearing loss and handicap which should be undertaken in view of current information available to him on hearing levels among recruits. [23088/97]
65 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he had concerning the recent advertising by solicitors in relation to the deafness claims when he met the Law Society. [23079/97]
139 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the cost of the Army compensation deafness claims to date in 1997; and the amount paid out in legal fees in 1997 in this regard. [23343/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 41, 54, 65 and 139 together.
There are 29 members of the Permanent Defence Force and 19 civil servants dealing with personal injury claims from members of the Defence Forces alleging hearing impairment. Details are as follows: one commandant, five captains, two company sergeants, six sergeants, seven corporals, eight privates, one principal, one assistant principal, two higher executive officers, three executive officers, two staff officers (job-sharers), ten clerical staff (four of whom are job-sharers).
Some of the above also have responsibility for personal injury claims not relating to hearing impairment. In addition, there are 30 staff dealing with this litigation in the Chief State Solicitor's Office broken down as follows: one principal solicitor, 13 assistant solicitors, three law clerks, five clerical officers, five clerical assistants, one paperkeeper, one staff officer, one messenger.