Vol. 512 No. 4
25 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the compensation scheme, if any, he will establish to deal with deafness compensation claims from Army personnel; the timeframe in this regard; if he has the support of the representative associations; the criteria to be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26443/99]
As Deputies will be aware, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in the case of Hanley v Minister for Defence yesterday, Tuesday, 7 December 1999.
It will take time to evaluate the implications of this important judgment for Defence Forces hearing loss claims. However, I am confident from a preliminary examination that the tariff laid down by the Supreme Court should form a basis for the introduction of a compensation scheme. I am hopeful that such a scheme can be established as speedily as is possible, subject to the approval of the Government. This scheme will be based on the hearing disability assessment system contained in the Green Book. I would prefer such a scheme to be administratively straightforward and provide a speedy process for dealing with claims. In this regard I would anticipate that once an individual has had his hearing tested, his Green Book disability assessed, his entitlement to compensation under the scheme can be determined and paid to him within a reasonable period.
I know that the representative associations share my determination to remove these claims from the courts and I look forward to their continued support in this regard.
