Redress scheme not enough

Last week the Government announced the establishment of an ex-gratia redress scheme for women who underwent symphysiotomy.

The overwhelming majority of women entitled to redress are likely to receive just €50,000; a fraction of the damages they would receive if they successfully pursued civil litigation. Later this month, when Ireland is examined by the UN Human Rights Committee under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, Survivors of Symphysiotomy will argue that no ex-gratia scheme can discharge the obligations which the Government owes to these women. They are right to do so.

The State employed those who needlessly performed symphysiotomies in public hospitals. It knowingly permitted unjustified symphysiotomies to be performed in private hospitals which delivered maternity services on its behalf. In breach of its legal obligations, it failed to halt these operations.