Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.

Ivor Callely

Question:

72 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the number of loss of hearing claims dealt with and outstanding from serving members of the Defence Forces; the cost to date of claims dealt with from serving soldiers; the overall number of loss of hearing claims received; the percentage of claims received from serving soldiers as against ex-members of the Defence Forces; the breakdown of claims received from serving soldiers in each military barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18907/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

By 5 October a total number of 13,538 claims for Army hearing loss compensation have been received. The records indicate that approximately 35 per cent to 40 per cent of such claims relate to serving members of the Defence Forces. Settlements have been reached in a total of 1,646 cases and court awards following hearing have been made in 123 cases. A further 99 cases were successfully defended or withdrawn. Of the total number of claims finalised the records show that approximately 35 per cent refer to serving members of the Defence Forces. In respect of the 1,868 cases finalised the cost of compensation has been £41.4 million and accrued plaintiffs' costs have been £11.7 million, namely, a total cost of £53.1 million. A breakdown of the number of claims received from serving soldiers in each military barracks is not readily available and I will send them to the Deputy as soon as possible.