The State has lost its appeal against a High Court decision that a former soldier from County Sligo should be awarded damages for a failure to diagnose and treat him for psychological injuries.
Victor Murtagh from Ballymote sustained post-traumatic stress while in the Lebanon more than 30 years ago.
He was just 21-years-old and beginning his first tour of duty in the Lebanon in October 1986 when he was exposed to a number of dangerous and stressful incidents that traumatised him.
The Supreme Court ruled it was completely satisfied with the High Court’s finding that the State had breached its duty of care to Mr. Murtagh by failing to diagnose and treat his post traumatic stress disorder.
However, it reduced the amount of damages awarded to Mr Murtagh from just over €300,000 to just over €150,000.
Speaking to Ocean FM News after the Supreme Court decision today, his solicitor, Damien Tansey, said his client has suffered a lot over the years:
