The McColgan case against the North Western Health Board and a Co Sligo doctor which was settled yesterday in the High Court in Dublin looks set to cost some £2 million. It is believed a sum of about £1 million will be paid to the McColgan family, and the entire legal costs of the case are also estimated at £1 million.
After the settlement, the McColgans, who had been sexually and physically abused by their father, expressed in a statement the wish that the case would help other victims of abuse "to speak out".
The settlement of the action was announced to Mr Justice Johnson at the start of the 14th day of the hearing yesterday. There was no reference to the settlement figures in court.
Mr Garrett Cooney SC, for the McColgans, said Sophia McColgan's action and three associated cases by other members of her family had been settled. He added the settlements were without any admission of liability by the defendants.
He understood that the terms of the settlement would be implemented by the North Western Health Board. Monies had been lodged in court in each case, Mr Cooney said. It had been agreed for convenience they would be repaid to the health board.
Mr Cooney said the only other order required was one striking out the proceedings in each of the cases.
Mr John Rogers SC, for the North Western Health Board, consented on the board's behalf. He said it had been appalled by the suffering endured by the four McColgan children and acknowledged that.
Mr Justice Johnson said he was delighted the case had been settled. He did not think anyone who had been in court for the 13 days of the hearing would not have left sadder but certainly wiser.
Ms Sophia McMColgan (27), with her brothers Gerard and Keith and sister Michelle, sued the North Western Health Board and Dr Desmond Moran, Stephen Street, Sligo, stated to be the family doctor. Mr Justice Johnson heard Sophia McColgan's action first and the other cases were due to be dealt with later.
The McColgans are originally from Ballinacarrow, Ballymote, Co Sligo. Ms Sophia McColgan now lives in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
Their father, Joseph, is currently serving a 12-year sentence after admitting a number of charges of assault against his children.
In their defence, the health board and Dr Moran claimed the proceedings were statute-barred. They denied negligence or breach of duty and claimed there was contributory negligence by parties other than the defendants.