The Government will “reflect” on calls for a public inquiry into alleged sexual abuses by “prolific abuser” Michael Shine, the Taoiseach has said.
Simon Harris described Shine as a “vile paedophile” who has brought pain and misery to many of his victims.
Shine worked as a senior registrar at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda in Co Louth from 1964 to 1995.
A number of men who were allegedly sexually assaulted by Shine 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.
Shine (93) was convicted of assaulting nine boys at two trials in 2017 and 2019.
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 “the actions of Michael Shine”.
Speaking at the opening of a new bypass in Co Kerry, Mr Harris said: “Michael Shine is a vile paedophile, prolific abuser who has brought pain and misery to many.
“His victims have today spoken with courage and in a vivid manner, and I want to thank them for that.
“I think their intervention is really important. I’m conscious that there have been matters before the court, civil and criminal.
“I’m conscious that there have been reports and consideration given by government departments, but in light of the very strong comments by the victims of Shine today, the Government will no doubt reflect on this and see what what actions are appropriate.”
Phoenix Law, instructed by several of the victims, have formally written to the Minister of Justice seeking a Commission of Investigation to be opened into the actions of Michael Shine. Our @DiarmuidBreck acts.
More below 👇https://t.co/jn7wJLZ19G— Phoenix Law Belfast (@PhoenixLawHR) August 19, 2024
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Mr Harris said he understands how the victims feel “upset” and “frustrated” over how the allegations of abuse were handled.
“I am conscious, though, that when certain court processes are under way and criminal investigations are under way, that can cut across other processes that understandably people may wish to explore,” the Fine Gael leader added.
“There is always that balance between not wishing to do anything to prejudice a matter that is before the court or indeed subject to investigation.
“Having said that, I think the victims’ request that we would now take stock of where we now at, and as a Government, to consider these matters is something we will now reflect on.”
He added: “My message to everybody, the Government that I lead, to all organisations, to all agencies, to all [religious] orders, is that we must always take a victim-led approach.
“We saw children experience significant horror and abuse.
“We obviously have a court system, we have a criminal justice system, we have obviously seen a criminal sentence given out in some cases as well.
“But it is important that any actions that are taken next are victim-centred.”
