Róisín Shortall
Ceist:29 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the cost of expert witnesses used in Army deafness cases settled in or out of court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26814/98]
Written Answers. - Hearing Impairment Claims.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:86 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the total legal costs paid by his Department in relation to the Army deafness claims settled. [26812/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 86 together.
The amount paid in legal costs to date is £13 million in respect of 1,480 cases and where legal costs have so far been paid. I should add that it can take some time before legal costs are actually paid out and, accordingly, there are a considerable number of settled cases where costs remain outstanding.
The following costs generally apply to professional witnesses attending the High Court or Circuit Court: full days' attendance £447; standby fee, High Court, full day £223.50 and standby fee, Circuit Court £75.00. A fee of £500 to £600 is paid in respect of an engineer's or similar expert's report in the High Court with £400 being allowed in the Circuit Court. Actuarial reports can range from £200 to £700.
In cases where the fees being charged appear to be excessive, it is the practice of the Chief State Solicitor to apply to the Taxing Master of the court for an adjudication in relation to the amounts.