Vol. 576 No. 3
44 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the position on Army deafness cases; the number of claims lodged to date; the number disposed of; the cost thereof; and the estimated total liability in respect of outstanding claims. [29360/03]
47 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the total number of claims for damages for deafness determined in court or settled out of court at the latest date for which figures are available; the total amount paid out to date in terms of damages or legal costs; the total number of such claims outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29459/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 47 together.
By 30 November 2003, a total of 16,688 claims had been received in my Department from current and former members of the Defence Forces in respect of loss of hearing allegedly caused during their military service. Some 327 claims have been determined in court and 14,539 have been disposed of out of court, mainly through settlements, leaving a total of 1,822 claims outstanding at that date.
The sum of €272.1 million has been paid in respect of hearing loss claims including €90.6 million in plaintiffs' legal costs. It is anticipated that the final costs of Army hearing loss litigation will be in the region of €300 million.
Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 13.
