Vol. 496 No. 4
104 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence if the former Defence Forces personnel claims for hearing loss compensation are being made within one year after the date of discharge and retirement as regulated under the Army Pensions Acts, 1923 to 1980; if hearing loss claims made after one year are rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22391/98]
An application for a disability pension in respect of permanent disability due to a wound or injury, including noise-induced hearing loss attributable to service must be made within 12 months after discharge or retirement from the Permanent Defence Forces. This time limit is laid down in the Army Pensions Acts.
It has been the established practice for many years to provide all personnel on their discharge or retirement from the PDF with information setting out their possible entitlements under the Army Pension Acts and emphasising the statutory time limits for the making of applications. The number of applications for disability pensions made outside the statutory time limits is small.
