Joe Leogue: Over a decade on, ill air corps technicians still await a fair hearing

The settlement between the State and Gary Coll closes one chapter in the allegations by former air corps technicians that they were exposed to dangerous chemicals while working on military vehicles. However, as Joe Leogue outlines, many more cases and issues of disclosure remain unresolved

Ex-air corps member Gary Coll from Lifford, Co. Donegal. The State has agreed to pay €2 million to the former air corps technician. Picture: Joe Dunne

A settlement on the steps of a court usually marks the conclusion of a dispute — however, the reported €2m payout to Defence Forces mechanic Gary Coll on Wednesday is but another development in a bitter dispute between the State and former air corps technicians that has raged on for over a decade.

Mr Coll settled his High Court action against the State having alleged he was exposed to various dangerous chemicals while he worked at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Dublin. The settlement was made without an admission of liability. The State contended it provided a safe workplace at Casement, and did not allow inappropriate work practices there.