The Irish Army deafness claims were a series of personal injury claims taken against the Government of Ireland by members of the Irish Defence Forces. The claimants had suffered loss of hearing caused by exposure to loud noises during military operations and training. The claims stated that the government had failed to provide ear protectors during firing exercises, as was required under regulations dating back to the 1950s. By 2010, the costs had escalated to about €321 million, of which about a third had been paid to the complainants' lawyers.