A settlement yesterday of an unprecedented High Court action by a mother and her disabled son seeking adequate State supports to enable the boy be cared for at home is likely to have major implications for other parents seeking such home support.
The action by Ms Tessa Woods and her son Darren, had it proceeded, would have been "at the cutting edge of trying to establish rights for the disabled in Ireland", Mr Paul Sreenan SC, for the Woods, said.
Darren (9) is severely and profoundly physically and mentally disabled requiring 24 hour care.
As a result of yesterday's settlement, he and his mother will now have 50 hours support services a week from the Southern Health Board compared with 20 hours prior to their taking the proceedings and an offer of ten hours a week at an injunction stage.
They will also receive two nights respite services a week and additional supports, including holiday respite.
Ms Woods, of Ballincollig, Co Cork, who lives apart from her husband and cares for Darren alone, required hospital treatment for back problems and depression as a result of trying to care for Darren without adequate support, the court heard.
She is to receive EU 20,000 in recompense for the services she has provided for Darren to date.