More than 360 apply for symphysiotomy redress scheme

The vast majority of women who had symphysiotomies have applied for payments under the Government’s redress scheme.

Over 360 applications had been received for the scheme shortly before it was due to close at 5pm on Friday, according to the Department of Health. Forty conditional offers have been made with a total value of €2.6 million.

Under the rules of the scheme, a small number of further applicants may be allowed an extra month to apply, if the assessor, retired High Court judge Maureen Harding Clark agrees "exceptional circumstances" are involved.

Women who qualify for payments under the scheme will receive a payment of €50,000, €100,000 or €150,000, depending on the circumstances of their case.

Groups representing the women who had symphysiotomies advised their members to apply for the scheme, but are split on whether they should accept an award because they would first have to waive their right to take legal action.

One group, Patient Focus, welcomed the large number of applications but said it wasn't surprised.

“We are vindicated in our position that we represented a large number of survivors who wished to avail of a non-confrontational, humane and speedy process. It was difficult to get this message across to the general public because of the hostile campaign that was waged against our clients.”

“We regret that our clients’ views were not adequately represented in some media and that some national organisations whose stated mission is to represent victims of human rights breaches chose not to hear our clients.”