Courts / Cork / Report
Navy Signalman wins High Court action over football injury downgrade
Summary
Signalman Alan Bennett, a member of the Naval Service stationed at Collins Barracks, brought a High Court action to prevent his discharge after the defence forces downgraded his medical classification in late 2012. Bennett claimed he had fully recovered from knee and wrist injuries sustained while playing football for the forces in 2009 and 2010, and that the downgrade was irrational, unreasonable and disproportionate. He argued the State had failed to consider his actual medical condition. The State maintained that the downgrade should stand. In his judgement, Mr Justice Seamus Noonan quashed the decision to downgrade Bennett's medical status, finding that not all relevant material had been considered and that the decision had effectively ended his career in the defence forces. Bennett had enlisted in 1999, served overseas, and had met the required criteria for re‑engagement before the downgrade.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Navy Signalman wins High Court action over football injury downgrade. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 2013 Other
- 2015-01-21 Publication
Why: by Aodhan O'Faolain A member of the Naval Service has won his High Court action aimed at preventing his discharge from the defence forces because of injuries he sustained several years ago while playing football. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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