Sinn Féin calls for 2009 review into Michael Shine to be published

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Sinn Féin has called for the 2009 review into the actions of former surgeon Michael Shine to be published amid calls for a public inquiry.

Its health spokesperson, David Cullinane said the Government did not need much more time to consider the matter.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the government would “reflect” on calls for a public inquiry into alleged sexual abuses by Shine, aged 93, who was convicted of assaulting nine boys at two trials in 2017 and 2019.

He worked as a senior registrar at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth from 1964 to 1995.

A number of men who were allegedly sexually assaulted by Shine have told the Journal.ie that they want a public inquiry into the cases.

Many of the survivors claim that the Medical Missionaries of Mary religious order, which was in charge of the hospital, was aware of the alleged abuse for years.

More than 200 victims have settled civil actions against the Medical Missionaries of Mary.

Belfast firm Phoenix Law has formally written to the Minister of Justice Helen McEntee seeking a commission of investigation to be opened into Shine.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mr Cullinane backed the calls for a public inquiry, and said there needed to be a “victim-led approach”.

The Waterford TD said he had spoken to a victim of Shine on Thursday morning who had contributed to the 2009 review and is “very angry” that it has not been published.

Mr Cullinane said it was “wrong” that this victim had not seen the review he contributed to.

“The Taoiseach in the last couple of days, as I understand it, has said that he wants to meet with the families, but he’s made a lot of promises to meet people.

“He needs to do it. He needs to meet with the victims.

“He needs to listen to what they want.

“If a commission of investigation is what the victims need, absolutely it should be put in place.

“I don’t see at this point any reason why the report in 2009 (shouldn’t) be published.

“If you have victims who in good faith gave evidence and contributed to the report, and yet they themselves haven’t seen it – aside from the fact that the public hasn’t seen the report, that they as victims haven’t seen it – I think is wrong.

“There has to be transparency in relation to all of this.

“It has to be victim led, whatever is done.

“It can’t be passing the buck either between the Minister for Health or the Taoiseach.

“The government has to make a decision.

“I think what angered a lot of the victims is the Taoiseach saying he has to ‘stocktake’.

“How much longer does the Taoiseach have to stocktake on all of these issues?”