High Court approves €4.1m interim settlement for Andrew Whelan

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The High Court approved an interim €4.1m settlement in a medical negligence action brought on behalf of Andrew Whelan, who has cerebral palsy and requires lifelong full-time care and special accommodation. RTÉ’s report was updated on 25 February 2016.

Through his mother Angela Whelan, he sued the HSE and Dr John Patrick Corristine over the circumstances of his birth on 5 August 1993. The action alleged that delays in delivery and failures to respond to foetal distress caused his injuries, including cerebral palsy.

Mr Justice Anthony Barr approved the settlement against both defendants, which included legal costs. The action had been due to proceed as an assessment of damages only. The defendants consented to the settlement. The interim payment covers costs including ongoing care, aids and appliances over ten years, and the matter was adjourned until February 2026.

In a statement on behalf of the HSE and the management and staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group expressed its “deepest and unreserved apologies for the failings that caused the injuries to Andrew Whelan and the consequent trauma experienced by him and his family.”