Finn Phillips, 13, who is on the autism spectrum, was delivered on July 30, 2005, by ventouse delivery and – it was alleged – was unnecessarily exposed to trauma and asphyxia from the vacuum extraction. He sued the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin through his mother, Lisa Marie Murphy.

It was claimed these injuries caused developmental delay and autism in Finn.

The settlement was made without an admission of liability.

Jeremy Maher SC, for Finn, told the court that the boy was born limp and unresponsive, claims denied by the hospital.

Mr Maher, who said this was a test case that had never been determined in Ireland, told the court that a settlement had been reached via mediation and had been brought before the court.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement and said he was glad it had been reached through mediation.

Ms Murphy, speaking outside of court, said her son is a “wonderful boy”.

“He would have been a fantastic man if everything had gone according to plan. Now we can make strides to help him be the best man he can be,” she said.

“The settlement means as parents we don’t have to worry, Finn’s care is there. It means we can go privately for his care.”