Vol. 564 No. 5
69 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the number of cases settled in regard to the damages taken against the State arising from possible exposure to asbestos within the Leinster House complex and State-owned buildings; the total amount paid out to date in compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9739/03]
The total number of such cases in which settlements have been reached or awards made is 11 and the total amount paid to date in respect of compensation and legal costs is €1,020,000. These 11 cases arose prior to the assignment to the State Claims Agency of the handling of such cases.
The State Claims Agency is currently handling 506 claims for damages against the State for alleged exposure to asbestos. None of these has been settled and, since they are in judicial process, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on any of them.
