Vol. 494 No. 3
37 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the circumstances in which an FCA anti-aircraft unit is reported to have opened fire with live rounds at an Air Corps plane at a training exercise at Gormanstown in July 1998; the investigation, if any, held into the incident; the steps, if any, being taken to prevent a recurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17823/98]
146 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if his Department is carrying out an investigation into an accident which occurred at Gormanstown Range, County Meath, involving an FCA artillery unit while involved in range and anti-aircraft activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17956/98]
I propose to take Questions, Nos. 37 and 146 together.
An incident occurred at the Air Defence Range, Gormanstown Camp, on 7 July 1998 which led to ground to air firing being terminated. A board of inquiry into the incident was convened on 7 August, 1998. The board which will inquire into the circumstances which led to the shoot being terminated and make recommendations, is due to report shortly. Safety procedures for military exercises are constantly reviewed. Any changes in the undertaking of firing practices recommended by the board of inquiry will be implemented. In more general terms, the problem facing the State is that the courts have awarded large damages for levels of hearing loss which in other jurisdictions would not be considered a serious handicap and which would attract little or no damages. It is the relatively high level of court awards, combined with the large number of existing and potential claimants which gives rise to the huge bill the Exchequer now faces. I am continuing to examine any options which are open to the Government to deal with the hearing loss litigation in a way which will ensure that genuine cases are suitably compensated while the impact on the taxpayer is as limited as possible. In this regard I will be bringing further proposals to Government in the near future.
