A Dublin maternity hospital and two consultant obstetricians have apologised to a couple over the death of their baby six years ago.

The apology acknowledges that the mismanagement of Roberta Dodd's labour at Mount Carmel Hospital led to the death of her son Senan, two days after his birth on March 28th 2008.

The High Court heard that consultants Dr. Gerry Rafferty and Dr. Valerie Donnelly ignored or failed to properly interpret the fetal heart rate recordings.

The trace showed the baby's heart rate was slowing but it was another four hours before he was delivered.

The court heard an expert witness would have testified that Senan would have escaped injury if the delivery had been carried out earlier. The infant was deprived of oxygen and suffered brain damage.

After his birth he was transferred by ambulance to Holles Street Hospital for treatment. He died two days later.

Today's apology to Senan's parents was issued as part of an undisclosed settlement of an action for damages by the couple.

After today's hearing, Senan’s father David Dodd said Unfortunately the care received by Senan from Dr. Rafferty and Dr. Donnelly fell below the standard required or expected. The death of Senan was sadly avoidable. He was a beautiful and healthy baby boy'.