John Browne
Question:152 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in finalising the deafness claim of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [9444/01]
Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.
The statement of claim in this case is dated 28 January 1998. The case was set down for Waterford High Court at the choice of the individual concerned. On 28 February 2000, arrangements were made for the individual concerned to attend an audiologist and ENT specialist on behalf of the State. He did not attend either appointment.
The notice for trial was served on 27 May 1999. Initially the case was listed for the High Court sittings in Waterford for 11 and 12 July 2000 but was adjourned because of the lack of medical evidence on behalf of the State. The individual concerned attended rescheduled appointments with an audiologist and ENT specialist on behalf of the State on 2 October 2000. The mater was listed for the sittings of Waterford High Court due to commence for two weeks on 5 March 2001. The sittings were cancelled due to the foot and mouth disease precautions.