A SENATOR plans to make a donation to the widows and orphans of Rwandan genocide after receiving a payout and apology from the publishers of the Irish Daily Mail.
Senator Fidelma Healy Eames was in the High Court to hear the apology read out on behalf of Associated Newspapers over articles it published about her voluntary work in the East African country.
Afterwards, the senator's solicitor, Paul Tweed, said his client was satisfied the record had been finally set straight and her reputation vindicated.
Sen Healy Eames said the amount of the payout was confidential but she will give a donation to the Rwandan widows and orphans.
"I think something good has come out of this," she said.
The publishers of the Mail, Associated Newspapers, said the articles on April 20 and 21, 2012 gave a "wholly inaccurate impression" that she had benefited from public or charity funds.
Counsel Jim O'Callaghan SC, for Ms Healy Eames, told Mr Justice John Hedigan, he was pleased to tell the court the matter had been resolved.
Michael Kealey, solicitor for Associated Newspapers Ltd, read the apology which stated the articles were about the participation of Sen Healy Eames and her husband as volunteers in Rwanda.
The paper wished to make it clear their participation was "exclusively in support of the charity in Rwanda".
"We also accept the articles gave the wholly inaccurate impression that the senator had benefited from public or charity funds."
hnews@herald.ie