RCNI Press Release 29th October 2009

RCNI welcome Minister’s decision to appoint investigator to decide if a full inquiry should be opened in Michael Shine case

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) welcomed the appointment promised today by Minister for Health & Children Mary Harney into the case of ex-Doctor, Michael Shine’s alleged sexual abuse of patients over a period of years in Drogheda’s Our Lady of Lourdes hospital.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director said, ‘it is essential that we learn how someone could continue to have access to vulnerable children and be supported to remain in such a powerful position while so much abuse was reported to have been occurring. Over 160 former patients have now made allegations against Mr Shine. 80 allegations are being investigated by the Gardaí. This investigation brings us a step closer to the full inquiry, which with the appropriate terms of reference, must be under-taken.

We congratulate Minister Harney for instigating this independent investigation. We call on the Minister to allow no delay in appointing a former High Court Judge to hear complaints from the victims and their families.

We especially want to commend Bernadette O’Sullivan, a former nurse in the hospital who has been tirelessly campaigning on this issue for a number of years.