Written Answers. - Negligence and Nuisance Claims.
Pat Upton
Ceist:
60
Dr. Upton
asked the
Minister for Finance,
in respect of claims for negligence and nuisance against his Department for each year since 1990, the total number of claims made; the total number of claims settled; the total amount of money paid in settlements; the total amount of money paid in legal costs arising from the settlements; the total number of claims outstanding at present; and the estimated cost of these claims.
[2106/95]
My Department is directly and indirectly involved in many cases brought against the State under the Civil Liability Act, 1961. On the advice of the Chief State Solicitor's office and in the interests of issuing a speedy reply, I am citing those cases which are directly under the aegis of the Department of Finance.
My Department has had only one claim made against it since 1990. The claim was settled for £12,500 and this included legal costs. The legal costs cannot be established as they are a matter between the claimant and his solicitor.
There is one claim outstanding against my Department but it is impossible to quantify the possible costs involved.
The following relate to the Valuation Office: In 1990, two claims were settled at a cost of £19,394. The legal costs here were £1,867.25.
In 1991, two claims were made. One was settled at a cost of £12,500 with legal fees of £5,267.30. The claim outstanding is not quantifiable.
In 1992, two claims were made. One was settled at a cost of £11,500 with legal fees of £3,380.60. The claim outstanding is not quantifiable.
In 1993, three claims were made. One was settled at a cost of £11,715.52 with legal fees of £2,406.66. The two claims outstanding are not quantifiable.
There have been no claims in the Valuation Office since 1993.
The following relates to the Office of Public Works: In 1990, seven claims were settled at a cost of £11,171.88 of which £3,054.00 were legal costs. There are two outstanding claims.
In 1991, 11 claims were settled at a cost of £27,540.00 of which £4,441.00 were legal costs. There are no claims outstanding.
In 1992, 22 claims were settled at a cost of £92,810.00 of which £30,748.61 were legal costs. There are four claims outstanding.
In 1993, 37 claims were settled at a cost of £265,872.91 of which £25,155.56 were legal costs. There are thirty five claims outstanding.
In 1994, 44 claim were settled at a cost of £424,276.94 of which £101,659.95 were legal costs. There are 19 claims outstanding.
None of the outstanding claims above is quantifiable.
The following relates to the Revenue Commissioners: Since 1990, 13 claims were settled at a cost of £171,731 of which £77,945 were legal costs. There are nine claims outstanding and it is impossible to quantify the possible costs involved. Due to other pressures in this office, it is not possible to supply a breakdown for the entire period. I will endeavour to supply the Deputy with this breakdown at a later date if so desired.
