Two years after Brid Courtney was awarded an interim payment of € 2 million for brain injury after delayed hospital action during her birth, the High Court has approved a settlement of compensation for her injury.

An expert told the court that a further € 9 million would be needed to provide adequate care for the nine-year-old for the rest of her life.

The child suffered catastrophic brain damage after hospital staff allegedly failed to react to a dramatic change in her heart pattern during her birth at Tralee General Hospital in February 2003. The brain injury has left the girl confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak.

Ms Justice Mary Irvine agreed with the expert and awarded the victim – represented by her mother – € 9 million.