Judge apologises to boy over lack of payments legislation

A High Court judge apologised to the family of an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy because legislation to allow for periodic payments orders has not yet been brought in.

Ms Justice Mary Irvine said there is a failure to recognise the distress caused because the legislation — promised three years ago — is not yet available to allow for annual periodic payments to children with catastrophic injuries.

She was speaking as she approved a payment of €580,000 for the care needs over the next three years for Luke Miggin, who has dyskinetic cerebral palsy after suffering injuries at birth.