The symphysiotomy redress scheme begins today and women who underwent the procedure can receive awards at three levels: €50,000, €100,000 and €150,000.

Symphysiotomy involves cutting a woman's pubic bone to widen the birth canal during labour.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) recently criticised the scheme - saying it falls far short of meeting Irish international human rights obligations.

ICCL director Mark Kelly said: "In July this year, the United Nations Human Rights Committee outlined the measures that should be taken by the Irish Government to provide proper reparation for survivors of symphysiotomy."

"The UN's top human rights experts made crystal clear that the women concerned have a right to an effective remedy for the harm done to them, which should include: a prompt, independent and thorough investigation; the prosecution and punishment of the perpetrators, including medical personnel, and fair and adequate compensation and rehabilitation, on an individualised basis."

1,500 symphysiotomies took place in Ireland and an estimated 350 of these women are alive today.

Many have been left with permanent injuries such as incontinence, difficulty walking and chronic pain.

Former High Court judge Maureen Harding-Clark has been appointed as an independent assessor to oversee the implementation of the redress scheme.

Judge Clark has previously served as chairperson of the Lourdes Hospital redress scheme.