An Army corporal who alleges he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing several incidents in Lebanon, including the deaths of several Israeli soldiers in landmine explosions, has sued the State for damages.
He claims the Army failed to prepare him for such incidents or to provide him with any appropriate counselling.
Cpl Francis Corbett (32), Dominick Street, Cork, joined the Army in January 1990 and went to Lebanon on April 15th, 1991, some weeks before his 18th birthday. His action, presented by Dr John O'Mahony SC, is against the Attorney General and the Minister for Defence.
It is claimed that, soon after arriving in Lebanon, Cpl Corbett was stationed at an observation post when, through binoculars, he observed an Israeli soldier carrying out mine sweeping on a dirt road below him. He saw the soldier step on a mine which detonated. Cpl Corbett's bunker had then come under fire from guns and mortars. He was extremely shocked and distressed by the incident.
After his return from duty abroad he began to drink heavily and had problems at home and with relationships.
He went to Lebanon again in 1993 when he saw four or five members of an Israeli patrol being blown up some 50 feet away from him. Fire was again directed at the Irish bunker after this occurred.
Cpl Corbett claims he was shaking and went to bed after duty and could not sleep. He was off for two days and was fearful of being on duty again. He had also had to mine sweep himself and was extremely stressed and in fear.
On one occasion, during another trip in 1997, a helicopter carrying Italian peacekeeping troops had crashed near Cpl Corbett's post. He could see three damaged bodies and was very traumatised by the incident.
Cpl Corbett claims that at no time after such incidents was he offered any treatment or counselling. He further alleges that the Army had failed to properly prepare him for such incidents.
On his return in 1997 after his fourth and last trip, Cpl Corbett says he was seen by Dr David Dunne, a consultant psychiatrist, who diagnosed him as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He remains under the care of Dr Dunne. Although still a member of the Defence Forces, he has not worked since 2000.
The defendants deny that Cpl Corbett was exposed to a number of traumatic situations and also deny negligence. They further deny that Cpl Corbett suffered or continues to suffer from personal injury, loss or damage.
They also plead contributory negligence, alleging that Cpl Corbett failed to notify or complain of any symptoms in relation to post-traumatic stress and failed to seek medical assistance in sufficient time or at all.
Cpl Corbett also failed to report any specific incident which would give rise to personal injury, loss or damage, it is pleaded.
He had volunteered for and returned to Lebanon on four periods between April 1991 and November/April 1998, and had failed to complain of any symptoms, it is pleaded.
The hearing continues today before Mr Justice de Valera.