Harney to meet with Shine’s alleged abuse victims

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney has said she will meet with up to 200 alleged sexual abuse victims of former consultant surgeon Michael Shine, despite ignoring three requests for a meeting before Monday’s Prime Time investigation.

Speaking after fresh calls were made for an inquiry into the actions of the doctor – who was cleared of the offences in Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in 2003 but later struck off the medical register for undertaking “improper medical examinations” on male patients – a Department of Health spokesperson said Ms Harney was open to a meeting.

However, Patients for Dignity spokesperson Bernadette Sullivan said the group has not been contacted by the minister.