Vol. 494 No. 3
147 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the current costs arising from Defence Forces deafness compensation claims; the awards made to date; the legal and administrative costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18208/98]
By 29 September, a total number of 13,538 claims for army hearing loss compensation had been received. Settlements have been reached in a total of 1,635 cases and court awards following hearing have been made in 123 cases. A further 93 cases were successfully defended or withdrawn.
In respect of the 1,851 cases finalised, the cost of compensation has been £41.2 million, and accrued plaintiffs' costs have been £11.2 million, i.e. total cost of £52.4 million.
Administrative costs are currently estimated at approximately: £750,000 per year for staff and overheads in the Department of Defence; £850,000 per year for staff and overheads in respect of the Defence Forces; and, £795,000 per year for staff and overheads in the Chief State Solicitor's office. A total estimate for administrative costs is therefore £2,395,000 per year.
