Dignity for Patients to press case for public inquiry

The group that represents victims of alleged sexual abuse by former doctor Michael Shine is due to meet Health Minister Mary Harney in Dublin to press its case for a public inquiry.

Mr Shine was acquitted of sexually assaulting six complainants during a court case in 2003.

However, he was subsequently struck off the medical register following an investigation by the Medical Council.

The Gardaí are investigating more than 82 separate allegations of abuse by the Drogheda-based doctor between 1964 and 1994.

Dignity for Patients, the group representing the alleged victims, wants a public inquiry to determine how the system allowed the alleged abuse to continue.