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Litigation Branch

Litigation Branch manages the defence of non-delegated personal injury claims made against the Minister of Defence. ("Non delegated" means claims which have not been delegated to the State Claims Agency). The primary functions of the Branch include

· Processing of claims in the most efficient and effective manner

· Provision of administrative and statistical support and advice to the Minister

· Development and coordination of policy in relation to litigation management strategy

· Early settlement of claims, where possible

· Provision of support e.g. information, reports etc. as required by the State Claims Agency

In addition to Personal Injury claims, Litigation Branch is responsible for litigation regarding administrative decisions relating to Defence Forces personnel which are being challenged by way of Judicial Review or other legal proceedings. This Branch also deals with the Military Archives 2016 project

Delegation of Claims to the State Claims Agency

From December 2001 all new claims (excluding certain categories of claims) and a number of claims received during 2000/01 were delegated to the State Claims Agency (SCA). The Delegation Order of 2001 was extended with effect from 1st September 2005 to include Hearing Loss claims, as well as some other less common categories. Currently, the categories of claims made against the Minister of Defence which are not delegated to the SCA include:

· Claims in respect of personal injury suffered by a member of the Defence Forces while in the service of the State, outside the State

· Claims made by State employees arising for alleged breaches of the Employment Equality Act, 1998

· Defamation claims

Go to stateclaims.ie to find out more about the State Claims Agency

The Injuries Board

Under the PIAB Act 2003 all claims for personal injury (excluding medical negligence) must now be submitted to PIAB.

The Injuries Board is a statutory body which provides independent assessment of personal injury compensation for victims of Workplace, Motor and Public Liability accidents. This assessment is provided without the need for the majority of current litigation costs, such as Solicitors, Barristers and Experts fees, associated with such claims.

Go to injuriesboard.ie to find out more about the Personal Injuries Assessment Board

Litigation Branch
Department of Defence

Contact: Paul Connick
Telephone: 353 45 492345
Fax: 353 45 492580
Lo Call: 1 890 251890