An action against the North Eastern Health Board for alleged negligence five years ago over the circumstances of the birth of a girl who has since died has been settled without admission of liability, the High Court was told yesterday.
The proceedings were originally brought on behalf of the girl, Aine Comiskey, Drumrath, Kilnaleck, Co Cavan, who was born at Cavan General Hospital on March 7th, 1995. She was later diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, visual impairment and other difficulties.
Aine died suddenly on Christmas Day 1998, two weeks before her High Court action hearing. The case was adjourned and reconstituted with her parents, Catherine and Christopher, named as plaintiffs.
Settlement of the proceedings was announced to Mr Justice Johnson yesterday by Mr Jack FitzGerald SC, for the plaintiffs, following discussions between lawyers. Mr Michael Hanna SC, for the NEHB, said the proceedings could be struck out with no further order and without admission of liability on the part of the health board.
Mr Hanna read a statement expressing the board's regret to Aine's parents at the tragic outcome of her birth and her subsequent illnesses.
It added: "The fact that the settlement is without admission of liability in no way diminishes our sympathy for her parents and her extended family. We wish them well for their future lives."
