Deadline for symphysiotomy redress scheme passed

The deadline for women affected by the practice of symphysiotomy to apply to the redress scheme for compensation has now expired.

However, former High Court judge, Maureen Harding Clarke, who is assessing the applications, has the discretion to extend the time for receipt of applications by an additional 20 working days.

The Department of Health say 366 women have now applied to the symphysiotomy payments scheme with awards being made at three levels - €50,000, €100,000 or €150,000.

Survivors of Symphysiotomy oppose the scheme - Marie O'Connor from SOS, described these deadlines as" draconian".

"We feel this is not a satisfactory situation, that these deadlines are draconian, and we fear that a number of women who would otherwise be entitled to benefit from the scheme will be excluded," she said.