Refused a hearing
By Eoghan MacCormaic
I WAS thinking there, that maybe I should offer my services as a
witness in an upcoming case. Well, in a number of upcoming cases
really. 11,000 upcoming cases. The case of the Deaf Soldiers. You
see I could vouch for their audio limitations. I've witnessed it!
I was once refused entry into an army barracks. I don't frequent
barracks as a rule, and while I've been inside a few it was
normally against my will. Once however, I was invited to
represent UCG students at a post-debating function in Dúnaras
Mhaoilíosa, in Galway. Which reminds me, isn't it strange how the
state should name so many of its barracks after those it
executed...
The cadets billeted there study in the University. As the ex
Union President I was invited to patiently sit through two hours
of noisy, point-of-order raising, Mister-chairmanning debates.
The motion was that This House Would Include Sinn Féin in Talks.
Ten teams of the country's finest 1994 University debaters
thrashed it out, and came to the conclusion that the House Would.
It was a night of promise: students were opening their minds to
the idea of all inclusive talks. That much of the night's
business over, the guests were bussed to the barracks for a
drink. Promises, promises.
I was reminded of that night this week when the furore broke over
the number of soldiers who have put in claims for hearing
damages. And there I was thinking that it was something
completely different that made you deaf. It is a disgrace.
Thousands of our young men going deaf for Ireland.
Now I understand why there's so much shouting on the parade
ground. And the claims don't stop there. No indeed. Other claims
could be in the offing. Chaffed thighs, from years of wearing
those manky green canvas trousers. That should raise a few bob.
And the military equivalent of tennis elbow, military shoulder,
brought on from a combination of holding rifles and saluting
every time you meet an officer. The country could be bankrupt if
this keeps up. Long nights on Sentry duty leading to colds and
flu, varicose veins from square bashing, there's no end to it.
The Forsaí Cosanta are becoming the Forsaí Costasacha.
The gardaí are next in the offing for the injury claims court.
Apparently solicitors are preparing cases for trainees who
suffered hearing impairment during their days in Templemore. And
numerous Branchmen could be set for a windfall bonus for
haemorrhoids after years of sedentary activity. Sitting in cars.
Observing us. Where is it all going to stop?
Of course not everyone is happy about this situation, and already
the tide of public opinion is turning against the soldiers'
claims. It's all a bit far fetched to expect people to believe
that so many valid claims can be made, and that then, in addition
to the actual claims, that the solicitors and barristers are
about to make a killing too. But as I say, I might be able to
offer some evidence on the question.
Back on that night in 1994, at the barrack gates, or rather, just
inside the gates, I was stopped by the soldiery. On security
grounds, I wasn't to be allowed in. The motion on inclusiveness
had just been passed by the house, but rejected by the military.
I protested. 11,000 claims of deafness doesn't surprise me in the
least. When I protested, that night, on behalf of the students of
the college at the insult to their elected Union, my complaints
fell, as you might say, on deaf ears.