An action taken by a consultant neurosurgeon against Independent Newspapers has been settled, the High Court was told yesterday.
Mr Kevin Feeney SC, for Independent Newspapers, said the action taken by Mr Sean O Laoire had been settled and part of the settlement involved his reading, on behalf of Independent Newspapers, a short apology in court.
The apology stated: "In March 1993 the Irish Independent published an article concerning the tragic death of a Kilkenny baby in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
"The article stated that Mr O Laoire, Consultant Neurosurgeon, had failed to diagnose the illness that destroyed the child's brain. The newspaper acknowledges and accepts that Mr O Laoire himself did not fail to diagnose the child's condition. The newspaper apologises to Mr O Laoire for the publication and for the harm to his reputation and standing.
"The newspaper is happy to acknowledge that Mr O Laoire is a highly-competent neurosurgeon whose technical skills are regarded as unique.
"The newspaper has also agreed to pay a sum for damages and costs to Mr O Laoire in addition to this apology as read in open court."