It was reported in the editions of November 19th, under the heading "Woman settles action against hospitals", that the claim of the plaintiff, Ms Rose Quinn, had been settled for damages, and the High Court action could be struck out. The report may have implied that Mr Paul Bowman, a gynaecologist, contributed to the damages paid to the plaintiff.

Hayes & Sons, solicitors for Mr Bowman, have stated that no damages or contribution was paid to the plaintiff by or on behalf of Mr Bowman and "that the allegations of negligence as against Mr Paul Bowman remain completely unfounded".

A report in yesterday's editions on the death of Ms Aileen Carville in a fire in Castlepollard, Co Westmeath, stated incorrectly that she lived alone in the private quarters of a bank. In fact, Ms Carville lived with her husband, who is manager of the bank. She was alone at the time of the fire. The error is regretted.

Where errors occur it is the policy of The Irish Times to correct or clarify as soon as practicable.

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