The HSE has apologised for the shortcomings in care provided to a woman from Smithboro in Co Monaghan that led to the death of her baby son.

Baby Padraig was stillborn at Cavan General Hospital on June 28th 2009 after staff failed to monitor his heartbeat properly.

The apology was read out in the High Court as part of the settlement of an action brought by his parents Agnes McArdle and Finbar McElroy.

Their solicitor Shane Kennedy made a brief statement on their behalf outside court afterwards.