An expert group chaired by Mr Justice Charles Meenan last year called for a scheme to be established “as a matter of urgency”, having been considered for over a decade.

A government source told The Irish Times that a firm timetable for the introduction of the scheme is not yet in place.

Mr Justice Meenan’s report proposes that the scheme should be funded by the State with a “financial contribution” from the manufacturers and/of suppliers of vaccines.

There would have to be medical evidence establishing that “the vaccine in question caused or contributed to the injury complained of”, and the level of awards would be “below the level of an award made by a court where liability was established”.

The scheme would also cover the legal costs and expenses of those making claims.