The Health Minister says he is trying to appoint a judge to oversee a redress scheme for survivors of symphysiotomy.

James Reilly has suggested that the government will allow survivors of the procedure to seek compensation either through the courts or in a separate scheme.

Some survivors of the procedure say a court process could take too long and that many could die before their case is heard.

The Health Minister said back in April that the government would accept a Bill to lift the statutory bar for symphisiotomy survivors.

The procedure was carried out on women before childbirth, leaving them with chronic pain and health complications. James Reilly has previously said it is difficult to understand why the practice continued for so long.

While a group representing survivors of symphysiotomy said last month that they will not accept 'Magdalene-style' compensation. The Survivors of Symphysiotomy group said its members are the victims of medical negligence and deserve their day in court.

The Minister says he has asked the Attorney-General to help set up a redress scheme.