A man who was sexually abused and assaulted at school by a former Franciscan teaching brother has settled his High Court action for damages for a sum believed to be close to €200,000.
Mr Justice Lavan was told the action by Mr Joseph Brennan (37), a pipe-layer of Belvedere Court, Tyrrellspass, Co Westmeath, against the State defendants, they having admitted liability, was settled and the proceedings could be struck out.The claim against the Franciscan Order was also struck out with no admission of liability on its part.
Afterwards Mr Donal Farrelly, solicitor for Mr Brennan, said his client was "extremely unhappy" that the Franciscan Order had not apologised.
Mr Feichin McDonagh SC, on behalf of the State, said the State had served notice on the Franciscan Order seeking a contribution or indemnity, and this could be adjourned to Tuesday next.
Mr Brennan claimed he suffered severe personal injuries, psychological trauma, nervous shock and emotional distress as a result of being sexually abused by John Hannon, a convicted sex abuser and former Franciscan.