The High Court has approved a final settlement of €20 million for a 14-year-old boy, who it was claimed suffered brain damage at birth at a Cork hospital.
It brings to €23m the total paid to Lee Gibson of Carrigaline, Co Cork, after two previous interim settlements and is understood to be the largest of its kind.
The court heard Lee has cerebral palsy, cannot speak and uses a wheelchair.
President of the High Court Mr Justice Peter Kelly paid tribute to the Lee's mother Aileen Gibson, who he said was doing a great job looking after her son.
"Lee makes the best of a life that is possible because of the care of his mother, grandmother and other family support" the judge said and thanked Ms Gibson for the care she has given him.
Afterwards Lee's mother said the settlement monies will be spent for his benefit and allow his family to give him the therapies and care he requires for the rest of his life.
It will also mean, she said, they can plan their future without the need for future litigation.
"I must say that today is bittersweet, all the money won’t change what has happened to Lee. We will have to live with that pain forever," she added.
Lee had, through his mother, sued the Health Service Executive over the circumstances of his birth at St Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, on 5 July 2005.
It was claimed Lee suffered a number of injuries to his brain due to a lack of oxygen and the effect of an untreated infection suffered by his mother.
It was also alleged there was a delay of between 91 to 106 minutes before delivery by emergency caesarean section once the decision for an emergency caesarean had been made.
It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to treat the case as an emergency and a failure to give a candid explanation for what happened and why.
The claims were denied, but liability was later settled in the case.
Lee's legal counsel John Lucey SC instructed by Orla Kelly of Cantillon Solicitors, told the court the advice from financial experts was not to accept an annual periodic payment order in Lee's case and that is was his best interests to proceed by way of a lump sum payment.
Counsel said Ms Gibson, who had devoted her life to the care of her son, was anxious for a final payment and to conclude the matter.
Ms Gibson in evidence said her son loves school and is now doing better since they moved to a purpose built specially adapted house where he can have certain therapies. She said she wanted a final lump sum payment so that they can plan for the future.
"It’s time for us to move on with our lives," she told the judge.
She said her son was very independent and can now communicate with the help of modern technology.
Approving the settlement Mr Justice Kelly said mediation talks had taken place between the sides in the last few days.
The judge said he was satisfied it was a settlement which ought to be approved.
The funds, he said, will help Lee live with the proper standard of support for the rest of his life.
