Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme will be as simple and straightforward as possible – Doherty

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has been assured by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, that the Surgical Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme will be as simple and straightforward as possible. Deputy Doherty received the assurances in response to an oral parliamentary question.

“The Surgical Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme began yesterday. The process is very straightforward, allowing the women affected to easily determine the payment range relevant to them. If women have suffered a disability as a result, they just need to provide a doctor’s verification and should receive payment, which will be exempt from tax.

“The process is very straightforward, allowing the women affected to easily determine the payment range relevant to them. If women have suffered a disability as a result, they just need to provide a doctor’s verification and should receive payment. 

“Those considering the scheme should not be deterred from seeking payment amounts above €50,000 because of a fear of onerous requirement. This is designed to be as simple as possible and to help determine the right payment in the most straightforward way.

“Judge Maureen Harding Clark, the retired High Court Judge who will oversee the scheme, has also given assurances that staff will be available to assist any queries, so a solicitor should not be needed unless women really want one.

“The closing date for the scheme is the 5th December and it is hoped that payments can be made to some women before Christmas. Women may opt out of the Scheme at any stage in the process, up to the time of accepting their award.  

“Awards of €50,000, €100,000 and €150,000 will be offered. Women who have had a surgical symphysiotomy may accept an award of €50,000.  For women who have had a symphysiotomy and have suffered significant disability a higher award of €100,000 will be offered.  Where a woman has had a symphysiotomy immediately following caesarean section, an award of €100,000 will be offered and where she has suffered significant disability following these procedures, €150,000 will be offered. For a woman who underwent a pubiotomy, an award of €100,000 will be offered and for women who have suffered significant disability following this procedure, €150,000 will be offered.

“I am very glad that progress is now being made on this issue. The speed and efficiency of this scheme should help to bring some of the women affected towards closure on this barbaric practice.”