Government announces Details of Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme announced this morning (6th Nov 2014) by the Irish Government
Former High Court Judge Maureen Harding Clark has been appointed to oversee the implementation of the ex-gratia Payment Scheme.
This Scheme will deal with both women who have had a pubiotomy or a symphysiotomy.
Participants will receive awards at three levels – €50,000, €100,000 and €150,000.
Health Minister Vaeadkar said, “The women’s views have helped us to shape this Scheme, and we hope it will be acceptable to the majority. They specifically requested the appointment of a fully independent Assessor. I am very pleased that Judge Maureen Harding Clark has since agreed to accept this position. Her experience in dealing with the Lourdes Hospital Redress Scheme will be invaluable in helping to make this current Payment Scheme as sympathetic and compassionate as possible.”
“The groups also sought the inclusion of women who had a pubiotomy, and I am pleased to confirm that they will also be covered,” he added.
It will be Judge Clark’s job to decide the appropriate level of award for each applicant.
Applicants to the scheme do not give up any rights to take legal action through the courts until they accept an award if one is offered. Applicants have the right to seek legal or professional advice, including financial support, to help in preparing to submit an application to the Payment Scheme.
The Payment Scheme will start next Monday, November 10th and is believed to be only operational for a limited time period.