The Army is finding it difficult to attract a large number of volunteers to serve with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the Minister for Defence confirmed. Mr Andrews was replying to Mr Billy Timmins (FG, Wicklow), a former Army officer. "I think it is a reflection of the high age profile of serving members. Many members of the Defence Forces have previously served with UNIFIL on a number of occasions," the Minister added. The appointment of young recruits had alleviated the problem to a great extent.
The State has paid out more than £22 million in the 724 cases brought by serving and former members of the Defence Forces alleging hearing impairment from unprotected exposure to gunfire, the Dail was told.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Andrews, said that £19.355 million was paid in compensation and £3.108 million in plaintiff costs. "It is quite a horrendous tale of woe as far as both parties are concerned." Replying to the Fine Gael spokeswoman on defence, Ms Frances Fitzgerald, the Minister said that the average settlement was for about £25,000.