Symphysiotomy victims will 'not be fobbed off by a Magdalene-type' deal

Victims of controversial birthing methods used by Irish hospitals in the 50s and 60s are meeting in Dublin today, saying they are determined to get the compensation they deserve.

The Survivors of Symphysiotomy group said the Health Minister James Reilly's proposals of a Magdalene survivors-type redress scheme is "completely inappropriate", as it does not recognise the procedures as a form of medical negligence.

Marie O'Connor, the chairperson of Survivors of Symphysiotomy, said the victims are not going away.

Ms O'Connor said: "They will not be fobbed off by a Magdalene-type scheme which is completely and utterly inappropriate.

"It is a formula for denying them their legal rights and indeed for ignoring the court awards that have been made in these cases."