The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces took the unprecedented step yesterday of calling a press conference to talk about the "devastating effect" compensation claims were having on Army morale.
"The adverse publicity and the public outrage being expressed has had a devastating effect on our morale," Lieut Gen Gerry McMahon said at McKee Barracks in Dublin. "This publicity has also seriously damaged the professional and committed image which we have earned through loyal and dedicated service at home and overseas. I am speaking on behalf of the majority of our soldiers who have never considered stepping inside the door of a solicitor's office."
He said that once a standard was established he expected at least 70 per cent of compensation claims could fall.
However, it seems the gold rush by serving and former members of the Defence Forces for military hearing compensation money may already be coming to an end.
Of the 13 cases before the courts this week, three were dismissed with costs granted to the State and three were withdrawn by the plaintiffs. Three were settled out of court and one was settled in favour of the plaintiff. Three cases were adjourned. This contrasts with a high of up to 60 cases a week, all of which were being settled in favour of the plaintiffs.
It is also understood the Government will act quickly to introduce a compensation board once it receives a report from the expert board set up to establish a hearing impairment standard against which compensation claims can be settled. Serving and former personnel will then have their cases for damage assessed by the board, and only those who disagree with its findings can appeal to the courts.
Lieut Gen McMahon said he was speaking on behalf of the 75 per cent of the forces who had not made compensation claims for alleged hearing impairment.
His opening address at the barracks was broadcast by RTE Radio 2FM on a live link which which was simultaneously broadcast to the 500 soldiers serving in the Irish UNIFIL Battalion area in south Lebanon.
After commenting on the adverse effect of the claims on morale, he added: "As Chief-of-Staff I must emphasise that it is not my intention or desire that personnel who are injured be deprived of the right to seek compensation as pertains in all other areas of State service.
"I have to say, however, that I am seriously disappointed at some of the spurious and opportunistic claims that are being pursued. I feel that those pursuing such claims are doing so without consideration for the damage they are doing to our organisation.
"It is disturbing to think that the lure of easy money could outweigh the traditions of service, loyalty and comradeship which has always been the hallmark of the Defence Forces."
It was his intention in holding the press conference, he said, to protect the hard-earned reputation of the Defence Forces "from the actions of personnel who threaten it from within or people who might damage it through ignorance of our role and the sacrifices we have made".
He pointed out that while he spoke Naval Service personnel were on fishery protection duty in the Atlantic; Air Corps personnel were on flying duties throughout the State; Army personnel were on security at the Border, protecting cash, escorting prisoners, guarding jails and serving with the United Nations in 12 missions throughout the world.
He said the welter of claims had also been fuelled by the activities of solicitors some of whom were mounting "aggressive advertising" campaigns.
He was critical of some of the media reporting of the issue, saying some newspapers had "sensationalised and trivialised what is a very serious matter."
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