Vol. 523 No. 2
133 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was told he must take legal action against the Department to recoup his medical costs and loss of earnings, rather than the Department negotiating with the person direct to cover these costs. [20863/00]
Members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil who are injured in the course of their duties may apply for compensation under a non-statutory scheme administered by my Department. The scheme applies to all ranks and includes provision for compensation for medical disablement by way of periodic payments and for loss of earnings and/or certain medical expenses. The scheme does not require an applicant to initiate legal proceedings in order to benefit under its terms.
In general, formal application under the scheme must be made to my Department within six months of the date on which the injury was sustained. Eligible applicants are referred to the Army Pensions Board for medical examination and assessment of their percentage degree of disablement due to the qualifying injury. The board is an independent statutory body which investigates such matters in the case of members of the Defence Forces.
An application form has been issued to the person in question to enable him to make formal application under the scheme. On receipt in my Department of the completed application form, the matter will be dealt with promptly.
