RCNI Press Release - 13 October 2010

RCNI seek reassurance from the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, following the news that Judge Smyth’s review of the allegations against Mr. Shine and surrounding issues in Our Lady’s Hospital Drogheda, cannot be released at present.

Minister Harney has stated in the Dáil that the review is to be withheld in consideration of a number of ongoing Garda investigations into Mr. Shine.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director said, ‘It is important for all survivors of sexual violence that perpetrators are held to account and that we also learn how any sexual abuse was allowed to occur. With so many former patients of Mr. Shine coming forward can we be fully assured that all lessons will be learned and that our institutions, structures and policies protect vulnerable patients from an abuse of power and position?

‘It is regrettable that we only learned of this decision to withhold the review from publication in a Dáil debate and that this was not communicated more directly to the 180 former patients who have come forward to date. It is vital that state agencies treat victims of sexual violence with dignity and respect. Failing to do so has been shown to have a high impact on the recovery of victims as found in the RAJI research 2009.’


Notes:

• The RCNI is the national Rape Crisis representative body, which provides a voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change towards a society free from abuse.

• Conor Hanly et al, Rape & Justice in Ireland (RAJI), RCNI, 2009
  

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