A government group tasked with finding a transparent alternative to lengthy multimillion-euro medical negligence cases was abruptly mothballed five years ago — over claims a new system would cost too much.

A 12-year-old girl who has cerebral palsy as a result of injuries caused at her birth at Midland Regional Hospital yesterday received an apology from the HSE and the consultant obstetrician who treated her.

The HSE has apologised for the brain injury suffered by a 12-year-old girl at birth.