The Deputy will appreciate that I would not have the competence to make a judgment in relation to the efficacy of the American standards. I understand, subject to correction, that the American standards suggested to our courts have not found acceptability in contested cases.
In relation to the claims, over 947 claims alleging hearing impairment from exposure to gunfire have been initiated by former and currently serving members of the Defence Forces against me, in my corporate capacity, and against the State. New cases are arriving at the rate of 100 per week. Since 1992, when 49 cases were received, the number has quadrupled each year, and 2,394 claims were received in 1996. An additional 4,701 cases have been received so far this year. The basis of most of these claims is that the individual involved was exposed, in the course of his or her duties, to gunfire, usually at ranges where smallarms, rifle fire or artillery were being used.
At the end of August 1997, settlements had been reached in 699 cases. Court awards were made following hearings in 25 cases. A further 26 cases were defended successfully or withdrawn. The compensation amounted to £19,355,770 and plaintiff's costs amounting to £3,107,970 have been paid in respect of the 724 finalised cases.