Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, has expressed his firm belief that the decision to conduct a public inquiry into the sexual abuse perpetrated by ex-consultant surgeon Michael Shine should be the responsibility of the entire Government, not just specific departments. This came after the Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly stated that the subject wasn’t relevant to his department. The Taoiseach’s disagreement with Donnelly’s stance has been taken as a critique of the Health Minister.
Donnelly had earlier expressed that the situation was “not a healthcare issue” and the decision regarding a statutory inquiry relied on the Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, the Taoiseach, and the party leaders. In a Tuesday morning address in Dublin, Simon Harris contradicted these sentiments, stressing it to be a concern for “the Government as a whole”.
Harris stated his determination not to accept the notion that it’s a matter for anyone else. He asserted that the victims warrant a holistic, victim-oriented approach from the Government and he is not prepared to tolerate the passing of responsibility between departments.
Further acknowledging ongoing investigations, the Taoiseach mentioned the launch of criminal and civil court processes and the initiation of reports. His request is for a comprehensive review of the current status, the possibility of information disclosure or publication, and consideration of future actions.
These victims need support, he added, condemning Michael Shine as a despicable person who has inflicted enormous pain and suffering. Therefore, engaging with victims and their representatives is an appropriate course for the Government, added Harris.
Mr Donnelly initially expressed to The Journal that decisions regarding a statutory inquiry are principally the responsibility of the Justice Department, and specifically for Helen McEntee, the Taoiseach, and party leaders instead of pertaining to healthcare. He confirmed that numerous males, spanning several decades, have alleged sexual abuse by the now 93-year-old ex-surgeon, who spent three years behind bars. Dignity4Patients, a group providing care and support, is advocating for a public investigation into the sexual exploitation committed by Shine at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from 1964 to 1995. Shine was officially removed from the medical roster in 2008.