The Government has announced the establishment of an ex-gratia scheme for women who underwent the controversial procedure, symphysiotomy.

It has said that it ‘profoundly regrets the serious and damaging effects' caused to women and their families who underwent this operation.

There are believed to be around 200 symphysiotomy survivors in Ireland. The procedure had been discontinued in all but one hospital by the mid-1960s, however, it continued at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda until the mid-1980s.

It involved widening the pelvis to ease childbirth by dividing the cartilage of the pubic bone. However, the operation caused severe side-effects in many women, including life-long pain, incontinence, mobility problems and psychological problems.

One of the main reasons for the procedure was the dangers associated with caesarean sections - a big issue in the 1950s and 1960s. However, in a number of cases, women were given a symphysiotomy after giving birth via caesarean.

The Supreme Court has found that there was no justification in any circumstances for a symphysiotomy to take place after a caesarean - referred to as a symphysiotomy ‘on the way out'.

Around 10 women who underwent this particular procedure are still alive today.

"In the case of symphysiotomy carried out after the baby had been delivered by caesarean section, Government supports the Supreme Court's position that the procedure was indefensible and wrong. This Government strongly condemns this practice, which was not in keeping with best practice at any time," the Department of Health said.

The ex-gratia scheme will allow women to accept an award of between €50,000 and €150,000, ‘thereby relieving them of the burden of pursuing their case through the courts'.

The department noted that in a very small number of cases, the insurers of the hospitals and the obstetricians who carried out this procedure have been found liable by the courts.

"However, Government recognises that the women affected are of advanced years, that such court cases can take a long time to come to a conclusion, and that not all women will want to pursue what can be a difficult case through the courts," it said.

It acknowledged that by today's standards, ‘symphysiotomy would not be indicated'.

Meanwhile, those affected have also been assured that they will continue to have access to health and social services, including medical cards.

The announcement was welcomed by patient advocacy group, Patient Focus, and symphysiotomy support group, SOS (Survivors of Symphysiotomy).

The scheme will be administered by the State Claims Agency.