Vol. 512 No. 4
29 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the procedures and compensation arrangements in place with reference to members of the Reserve Defence Force in the event of injury during training or while attending annual training camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26379/99]
Members of the FCA and An Slua Muiri who are injured in the course of their duties may apply for compensation under a non-statutory scheme administered by my Department. Typically, this would cover injuries sustained on duty while participating in annual camp, field days, exercises, parades and courses of instruction. The scheme applies to all ranks and includes provision for compensation for medical disablement by way of periodic payments and for loss of earnings and-or certain medical expenses.
In general, formal application under the scheme must be made to my Department within six months of the date on which the injury was sustained. Eligible applicants are referred to the Army Pensions Board for medical examination and assessment of their percentage degree of disablement due to the qualifying injury. The board is an independent statutory body which investigates such matters in the case of members of the Defence Forces.
Based on the board's findings, successful applicants may be awarded periodic compensation from the date of the injury. The rates of payment depend on the percentage level of disablement assessed by the board and are the same as the rates of disablement benefit payable under the social welfare occupational injuries scheme. These payments are revised annually in line with increases in disablement benefit, while the level of disablement may be reviewed by the board from time to time.
Periodic compensation may be payable for the lifetime of the injured member if permanently disabled. Compensation for loss of earnings may not be paid for more than 26 weeks in respect of any injury.
