Delay into Shine abuse claims review

THE outcome of a major review into whether the state should set up an official inquiry into at least 180 sexual abuse allegations against former doctor Michael Shine has yet to be published – three months after an initial deadline for the document.

The Irish Examiner has learned that the review – which was set up in May and only meant to last for 10 weeks – has been the subject of significant delays which have not been explained.

Three letters sent by support group Dignity4Patients to Health Minister Mary Harney in August and September asked the senior Cabinet member to explain what was behind the delay.