Ivor Callely
Question:241 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the total number of hearing loss claims lodged to date in 1998; the total value of same; and the total compensation paid out to date. [8957/98]
Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.
To date this year 1,233 claims have been received alleging hearing impairment due to service in the Defence Forces. At the current average award these could amount to some £24.5 million plus a further 30 per cent in plaintiff's costs. Compensation totalling £36.4 million and accrued plaintiff costs of £8.5 million have already been paid to date in respect of some 1,522 cases finalised to date.
Ivor Callely
Question:242 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the structures that have been given consideration to deal with hearing loss claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8958/98]
The report of the interdepartmental committee has been presented to Government and will be considered by the Cabinet at the earliest opportunity. The Department of Health and Children's "Green Book" Disability Assessment report has also just become available and consideration will be given to the impact of this report on the issues concerned.