Reilly makes U-turn as Shine inquiry ruled out

HEALTH Minister James Reilly has performed a U-turn on the Michael Shine case after ruling out any inquiry into how patient sexual abuse claims against the struck-off doctor were addressed.

Despite being an outspoken opposition critic of his predecessor Mary Harney’s refusal to open a fresh inquiry, the Fine Gael TD has decided that the investigation is no longer appropriate.

A spokesperson for the minister said the about-turn was because Dr Reilly may have been given fresh information since taking the health portfolio.