Mother of Waterford boy with cerebral palsy speaks of 13-year wait for settlement against HSE

The family, the court heard, have been caring for Darragh who requires round-the-clock care day and night with only four hours a week of nursing support from the HSE.

(Left to right) Louise and Dermot Dooley. “Darragh is our beautiful first born child adored and cherished. Considering Darragh is profoundly disabled with a life-limiting condition, it is very disappointing to have to wait 13 years for this day to come." Picture: Collins Courts

A 13-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who sued over the circumstances of his birth and after care at University Hospital Waterford has settled his High Court action for €7million.

Darragh Dooley cannot walk or talk and has to use a wheelchair. His mother, Louise told a judge it was very disappointing that her son who is profoundly disabled had to wait 13 years “for this day to come”. The settlement is without an admission of liability.