A doctor told the High Court yesterday that some 20 per cent of recruits are failing to meet the hearing standard necessary to gain entry to the Defence Forces.
Capt Peter Cullen, a doctor with the Defence Forces, was giving evidence during an action by Pte Michael Walsh of Cedardowns, Dooradoyle, Limerick, who is suing the Minister for Defence for damages for alleged hearing loss.
Pte Walsh joined the Defence Forces in 1980.
Capt Cullen said that although the plaintiff was categorised as grade 4 out of five hearing grades, his present condition would not jeopardise promotion, prohibit overseas assignment or prevent further extension of service.
Cross-examined by Mr Padraig McCartan SC, for the soldier, he agreed that if Pte Walsh was to apply now to enter the Defence Forces with his current level of hearing he would not be admitted.
Capt Cullen said he would assume that Pte Walsh's hearing would disimprove with age.
He was not in a position to say if the plaintiff's service prospects would be affected in the future by his hearing condition.
He personally did not examine the hearing of new recruits or of soldiers signing on for further service. They were sent for an audiogram.
He said the Green Book, the report outlining standards for assessing hearing loss based on the recommendations of an expert group set up by the Government, had nothing to do with the Army, which operated its own regulations.
The Green Book was there to help in the assessment of hearing disability for the purpose of damages, he understood.
Mr Justice Johnson told counsel for the Minister, Mr Henry Murphy SC, that he required clarification of the hearing loss calculations contained in the Green Book.
Such clarification was a matter of great relevance and would be of assistance to him in reaching his judgment in the case, the judge said.
Mr Murphy said he would call Prof Michael Walsh and Dr Sean O'Flynn today to assist the court.