A judge has clamped down on handing out money in compensation cases for laptop computers for children because of cyber-bullying.
Circuit Court Judge John O’Hagan previously recommended small sums of money be given to children awarded settlements in infant ruling cases.
Children receiving money in compensation cases cannot receive money form the courts until they are 18 years old.
But Judge O’Hagan told Letterkenny Circuit Court he is now reluctant to give out money for laptops unless parents agree.
He said he was aware of how sites such as Facebook can be used as “ammunition” by some.
He made his comments as the mother of a 13 year old girl said she did not want money for a laptop computer for her child.
The child was awarded €18,000 in an injuries settlement and Judge O’Hagan ordered €300 be given to the girl for clothes.
“If the parents agree, fine. If the parents are not, I’m reluctant,” he said.
He also made a settlement of €500 to be given as part of a larger settle for a 16 year old boy for an electric guitar.