Ruairí Quinn
Question:22 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence whether his Department has prepared revised estimates in view of the claims arising from the army deafness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9871/98]
Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.
The provision for compensation, including loss of hearing claims, in this year's Defence Estimate is £85 million. Expenditure under this heading is difficult to forecast and, in the case of loss of hearing claims, will be influenced by developments in the courts. The matter is being kept under review.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:25 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has in relation to the operation of the Statute of Limitations (Amendment) Act, 1991, in view of the fact that it has operated in favour of army hearing loss litigants and the potential cost of £1.5 billion to the State of these claims. [12930/98]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:85 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the reason steps have not been taken to limit the exposure of the State to potential claims totalling £1.5 billion arising from incidents alleged to have taken place 30 to 40 years ago. [12931/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 85 together.
I am conscious of the need to strike a balance between the right of an injured person to obtain compensation and the right of a defendant, such as the State, to be protected against opportunistic claims. The present legislation has operated very much in favour of army hearing claimants and if the current level of quantum awarded by the courts in these cases does not reduce the question of changing this legislation to redress the balance in favour of the common good will have to be considered.