Symphysiotomy survivors have hit out at the government's redress scheme because they say "truth is more important than money".
The Health Minister yesterday outlined details of the scheme which will award up to €150,000 to women who underwent the procedure, during which the pelvis was broken. That was done either before or during childbirth.
Anyone who avails of the ex-gratia payments waives the right to take legal proceedings against any party, including the State. And Health Minister James Reilly yesterday made it clear that an official apology was not on the cards, since the State does not accept responsibility for the operations, under the terms of the agreement.
The Survivors of Symphysiotomy group will meet this weekend to discuss the scheme, but for now the organisation still plans to go to the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva on July 14th.
Marie O'Connor, Head of the Survivors of Symphysiotomy organisation told Newstalk's Breakfast the practice was outlawed in Paris in 1798, but was still being carried out in Ireland in 1987:
Ms. O'Connor says pelvis breaking was carried out as part of investigations into the warding off of contraception, historically controversial in Ireland.
