Reilly decides against Shine inquiry for legal reasons

The Health Minister James Reilly has said he is ruling out an inquiry into the case of Surgeon Michael Shine for legal reasons.

As an Opposition TD, Dr Reilly had been an outspoken critic of his predecessor Mary Harney's refusal to open an investigation into the way patient sexual abuse claims against the doctor were dealt with.

However, the Minister said he had read the report from Judge TC Smith who had advised the Government against such a move because it would prejudice the legal cases being taken by 109 patients.

Speaking at a conference in Croke Park this morning James Reilly said that, while he would not rule out an investigation after the legal cases are dealt with, there will be no inquiry now.