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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 7

Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

174 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the costs of the Defence Forces' deafness compensation claims for each of the years from 1992 to 1997 and to date in 1998; the breakdown of legal and other costs; the way in which his Department have calculated the average claim in these years; the content of this assessment; if the criteria used to assess these claims has remained constant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5209/98]

The cost of the Defence Forces deafness compensation claims for the years from 1992-97 and to 17 February 1998 is as follows:

Year

Awards/Settlements

Costs

£

£

Prior to 1994

515,756

197,253

1994

1,070,951

327,841

1995

521,000

145,012

1996

4,230,470

1,220.298

1997

27,987,548

4,238,816*

1998

1,835,360

7,311*

*It should be noted that all costs in relation to these years have not yet been finalised.
The average cost is estimated by dividing the expenditure by the number of cases finalised. The levels of injury of claimants are assessed on the basis of audiological testing and the evaluation of these tests by appointed ear, nose and throat surgeons. All matters of evidence in relation to the cases are reviewed by counsel appointed by the Chief State Solicitor and they advise in relation to liability and quantum. Based on this advice the appropriate course of action, this is, either to defend the case or to seek a reasonable settlement, is then decided.
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