The High Court has approved a settlement totalling more than €31m in the case of a young woman with cerebral palsy who sued over the circumstances of her birth at a Limerick Hospital almost 20 years ago.
The case was settled without admission of liability but the court was told the hospital is to issue a private apology to the woman and her family.
It is one of the largest settlements in a case of its kind.
The woman, who cannot be identified, took the action against the HSE over the circumstances of her birth at St Munchin's Regional Maternity Hospital in Limerick.
It was claimed there was a failure to examine a urine sample that would have shown the presence of a urinary tract infection and a failure to diagnose premature labour when the woman attended the hospital.
The baby girl was delivered by Caesarean section.
The claims were denied.
Senior Counsel Dr John O'Mahony told the High Court she has cerebral palsy, a brain injury and is cognitively impaired.
He said she is adept at communication through speech and sign language but does have a hearing loss.
Dr O'Mahony said the settlement figure was a "global settlement", which was achieved after negotiations.
The money will paid out in different payments to the family over the girl's life and will provide for the cost of care into the future.
It will also fund physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and special equipment.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Coffey said he was sure the apology will be a source of comfort to the young woman and her family.
