Question:
165 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the solicitors firms involved in bringing the Army deafness claims against the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4088/99]
Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.
Up to 5 February 1999 my Department has received 13,912 claims for alleged hearing loss from serving and former members of the Defence Forces.
Approximately 880 solicitors have taken claims on behalf of plaintiffs. However, a large number of plaintiffs were represented by a small number of firms. The six leading firms are:
|
Firm |
No. of claims received |
|
|
1 |
Patrick V. Boland & Son, Newbridge |
1,399 |
|
2 |
McMahon O'Brien Downes, Limerick(incl. Leahy & O'Sullivan) |
1,396 |
|
3 |
Byrne Carolan Cunningham, Athlone |
608 |
|
4 |
O'Donovan, Dublin |
512 |
|
5 |
Kent Carthy, Dublin |
327 |
|
6 |
Eamon Murray & Co, Cork |
190 |