The High Court has approved a €3m settlement to a teenage girl born with severe cerebral palsy.

Emma O'Donnell (16) from Arklow in Co Wicklow sued the National Maternity Hospital through her father, James Forde, who was described as being 'somewhat heroic' in caring for her.

The court heard the offer from the National Maternity Hospital of a settlement came as something of a surprise to Emma O'Donnell's lawyers.

Her barrister Richard Kean said their side was beset with big problems - trying to establish a causative link between the hospital's actions and the teenager's severe cerebral palsy.

At best he suggested there may have been evidence of a want of care. The hospital has not made any admission of liability.

He said Emma was born at Holles Street in June 1998 after around six days of induction.

Initially she appeared to be well, but after several hours she turned blue and began suffering from seizures.

Now aged 16 she has significant physical, intellectual and behavioural difficulties and, according to her father James, she needs assistance with everything.

He has welcomed today's settlement.