Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
QUESTION NO: 117
To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of open cases the State Claims Agency is handling in respect of the Air Corps, its staff and former staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 53027/18
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
I am advised by the State Claims Agency that their reports indicate that currently the Agency is managing 21 active compensation claims in respect of the Air Corps where it is alleged that a staff member is the injured party.
Given that litigation is on-going, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further in relation to these claims.
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Considering the limited media coverage of this scandal to date, this figure can only be expected to climb as serving & former personnel become aware that their ongoing health issues are likely a result of unprotected toxic chemical exposure whilst serving in the Irish Air Corps.