The Mid Western Health Board has admitted liability in a High Court action for damages brought against it by a 12-year-old boy who alleged negligence in the circumstances of his birth at Limerick Maternity Hospital.
Paraic Comber has cerebral palsy and other difficulties and has to use a wheelchair, the court was told yesterday.
The action brought by Paraic, suing by his mother, Deirdre Comber of Mullagh, Ennis, is to continue in order to assess the amount of damages to be paid. Mr Justice Declan Budd was told the hearing will take five or six days.
The hearing of the assessment was put back to Tuesday next after counsel for the health board said yesterday that more time was needed to deal with an economist's report which it had received yesterday morning.
The case is to be listed for mention on Friday so defence lawyers can report on what progress they have made in relation to contacting potential witnesses to deal with the economist's report.
It is claimed the health board was responsible for the medical treatment received by Paraic and his mother at Limerick Maternity Hospital, known as St Munchin's, Limerick, between June 1992 and April 21st, 1993.
Ms Comber, now aged 38, was admitted to the hospital early on March 31st, 1993. Paraic was born on April 1st, 1993. It is claimed there was negligence and breach of duty in respect of Paraic's birth.
Yesterday Mr Richard Keane SC, for the defence, said that, following receipt of the economist's report yesterday, his side needed to contact experts in investments, an accountant and an economist.
Mr John Finlay SC, for the plaintiff, said the case had been specially fixed for hearing now because both Paraic's parents worked as teachers.
They looked after Paraic who attends the school where his father is principal.