Harney refuses Shine abuse probe

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney has been accused of “re-abusing” alleged victims of former doctor Michael Shine after she categorically said there will be no inquiry into claims of improper acts spanning 30 years.

In a highly charged meeting with support group Dignity4Patients, the minister said she was refusing growing demands from the group and rival politicians for any formal investigation into the claims.

As a result, the group are considering seeking financial compensation from the state, among other avenues, due to alleged abuse suffered by them at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda between the mid-’70s to mid-’90s.