Legal cost of army deafness claims hits €85m

TAXPAYERS have paid out €85m to legal firms representing soldiers in army deafness cases.

Just a handful of firms are responsible for the majority of the 13,000 cases already settled. Over €250m has been paid out in compensation to date.

The top-earners are Patrick V Boland & Son, Newbridge, Co Kildare, who have already earned in excess of €12m.