Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.

Noel Ahern

Question:

111 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the situation with regard to recent press reports that gardaí had been compensated for deafness; the number who have received awards; the average figure paid; the highest amount paid; the total paid to date; the number of other claims in the process; the potential for possible claims taking account of, for example, the number of current gardaí, trained in firearms, using or training in firearms more than once; the testing process; and if tests will be carried out after 48 hours in a quiet environment, such as a hospital setting. [26555/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

In the 17 year period since 1982 a total of 93 serving and retired members of the Garda Síochána have lodged claims for hearing loss against the State. To put this in context, the Department of Defence has received approximately 14,600 deafness claims.

Of these 93 cases, 12 claims have been settled at a cost of £317,580. This represents an average settlement of £26,465 per case. A Supreme Court decision on 7 December in relation to the level of awards in army hearing loss cases is likely to significantly reduce the overall cost of these claims. Two claims have been withdrawn and 79 are pending.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí currently trained in the use of firearms is 3,900. Members undergoing training in the use of firearms must attend a refresher course on three occasions per year. It is important to note that since March 1983 each member who attends a firearms course is issued with ear defenders and instructed in their use. The wearing of ear defenders is compulsory at all times when on the firing range or within the vicinity of the firing range.

Instructors attached to firearms section are routinely tested for deafness. These tests are carried out on an annual basis at the Garda depot hospital. Instructors are required to refrain from attending a firing range for a period of 48 hours prior to undergoing this test.