A former Army sergeant who is going to suffer from deafness and tinnitus for the rest of his life was awarded £30,000 in his High Court action against the Minister for Defence yesterday.
Mr Aidan Michael O'Brien (50), a chef, of St Mary's Avenue, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny, claimed he suffered his deafness as a result of exposure to gunfire and heavy artillery fire in the Army from 1965 to 1986.
The claim before the court was for an assessment of damages only.
Mr Alan Mahon SC, for Mr O'Brien, said that contrary to all safety regulations, which were in operation during his client's time in the Army, he was never given advice or ear protection.
The deafness and tinnitus problem affected Mr O'Brien's social life and work and disrupted his sleep. He had gone to a doctor in 1996 and was referred to a consultant who confirmed he had a hearing problem. There was significant hearing loss in the left ear.
Making the award, Mr Justice O'Donovan said that although the deafness was not severe, Mr O'Brien had a problem which could have been avoided had he been given proper protection. He was going to have the problem for the rest of his life.