Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I asked about independent medical reports and those women from a poor background who do not have the money to obtain them. How do they do so within the time period the Minister has outlined if they do not have money? It is a fair question and it has not been addressed by the scheme. The Minister stated there are other possibilities for people. I hope the Minister has an answer.

I agree with my colleague that the narrow parameters of the scheme by their nature will further compound the hurt and insult many people feel. Although this has never been about the money, the assessor is giving the impression that most of the women will receive €100,000, but nothing could be further from the truth. The way the scheme is set out, 96% of the survivors, if they apply, will possibly receive €50,000 for a lifelong disability. The higher sums will only be payable where a significant disability lasting three years or more can be shown to be directly attributable to the operation of symphysiotomy. Very specialised reports will be sought and these will cost money. In some cases people will have to go outside the State. How will people do this if they do not have the financial wherewithal?

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