Sex assault claims to be heard against Shine

Allegations of sexual assault against struck-off medic Michael Shine will be examined by a Government-appointed investigator, it was confirmed today.

Allegations of sexual assault against struck-off medic Michael Shine will be examined by a Government-appointed investigator, it was confirmed today.

Health Minister Mary Harney will recruit a former High Court judge to hear complaints made against the disgraced consultant to decide if a full inquiry should be opened.

Support group Dignity 4 Patients maintains 160 patients have claimed they were abused while Shine worked at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for 30 years up to 1994.

Former nurse Bernadette Sullivan, who blew the whistle, said the group’s members and anyone affected by the case will be able to have an input into the review.

She revealed a pool of information has been collected that has not yet been seen by the authorities.

“It is a little bit disappointing that it’s not the inquiry,” Ms Sullivan said outside the Department of Health, minutes after a meeting with the Minister.

“But we are optimistic.

“We can give the relevant information to this High Court judge and we would hope that when he hears the facts that are in our possession that he will see the need for an inquiry.”

Ms Sullivan said the review means people alleging they were assaulted will be able to tell their story and talk to someone in authority.

“For a lot of people, it will be the first time they feel they have been heard by anybody who has any power to do anything,” she added.

In 2003 Shine, who is now in his late 70s, was acquitted of 11 counts of indecent assault on six teenage boys between 1974 and 1982.

However, last year he was struck off the medical register for professional misconduct by the Medical Council which found he committed assaults on three male patients and undertook inappropriate medical examinations.

Gardaí are investigating more than 80 allegations – which Shine denies.

The group is demanding a new inquiry is set up to focus on Shine’s behaviour while he worked at the hospital.

Ms Sullivan said once a judge is appointed, they hope to know within weeks if a full investigation will be held.

“Closure is very important for all people affected here and the longer this is dragged out it is more distressing and causing more stress for all the people affected,” she continued.

“We need to keep in mind this was brought to light in 1994 to the gardaí and in 1995 to the hospital and Department of Health.

“So it is time there was closure and an effective inquiry.”

The medic and the Medical Missionary of Mary which ran the hospital are not expected to take part in the review – which was passed by the Government’s Cabinet members yesterday.

“I don’t see this review as a place for them,” added Ms Sullivan.

“I think it’s really more of an input by the people affected.”

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