The Minister for Defence has announced the disbandment of one of the four Army bands. This follows news that £658,500 has been paid in compensation to 26 musicians claiming to suffer hearing impairment.
Although Mr Smith would not say if the decision was connected with the level of claims from musicians, the announcement comes a day after the High Court awarded £43,663 to a former trombonist in Army Band No 1.
A total of 71 Army musicians are still waiting to have claims for compensation settled.
With settlements averaging £25,320, this would suggest the State faces a further bill of £1.8 million.
During a visit to the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, yesterday Mr Smith said one band's closure had been recommended in the review of the Defence Forces carried out by business consultants three years ago.
The resulting reorganisation had led to a reduction in overall size from 13,000 to 11,500, he pointed out.
One recommendation that had not yet been implemented was the reduction in the number of bands.
The bands are attached to the Eastern, Curragh, Southern and Western Commands, but it was not clear yesterday which would be disbanded and what arrangements would be made.
It was not clear if there would be further cuts in musicians. There are currently around 120 Army band members.
Following the sharp escalation in hearing damage claims by ordinary soldiers last year the Minister announced the closure of five Army barracks.
Again, the consultants' report recommended these closures. At the time the Minister said that if the State faced such large compensation claims, economies would have to be made in defence spending.