The State compensation scheme for women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal is expected to cost up to €15m.
It applies to cases of accepted non-disclosure for the 221 women who were given incorrect smear test results.
The expected cost is based on the State's contribution of €25,000 to one case which was settled out of court, according to the Irish Times.
It is understood that the payout was made in respect of the issue of non-disclosure and to avoid further legal costs.
The State would make the payments under a non-statutory, ex-gratia compensation scheme where the State accepts non-disclosure.
However, this would not stop women who accepted the payments from pursuing other legal claims, although any further awards for non-disclosure would be subtracted by the amount granted under the ex-gratia scheme.
