Official inquiry into Shine a possibility, says Harney

AN official investigation into disgraced surgeon Michael Shine will be considered by government after gardaí complete their investigation into allegations he abused teenage patients for more than 30 years at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Health Minister Mary Harney told the Dáil last night that she will discuss the possibility of a State inquiry with her cabinet colleagues and the Attorney General, but it is unlikely it would take place until gardaí complete their work on the case.

Fine Gael accused the minister of sending out “mixed messages” about whether such an inquiry would take place and said she was more interested in “legal niceties” than justice for almost 150 men who claim they were abused by the doctor.