Posted by Questions (47, 48)
Dara Calleary
Question:
60 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will commission an independent inquiry into Dr. Michael Shine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7523/11] View answer
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
417 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will establish an inquiry into the manner in which the testimony of victims of the former consultant surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Michael Shine, were dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/11] View answer
Written answers
Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 417 together.
In 2010, the Drogheda Review was established by the then Minister for Health and Children to advise on whether a further investigation into the case of a former Consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda would be of benefit and to advise on whether any additional information or insights were likely to be achieved from a further full investigation. The former surgeon worked in Drogheda from 1964 until 1995. The issues arising from the case have been the subject of an independent review commissioned by the then North Eastern Health Board and chaired by Dr. Miriam Hederman O’Brien, which reported in 1995.
A former High Court Judge, Mr. T.C. Smyth, was appointed chair of the Drogheda Review.
Having examined the matter, Judge Smyth recommended that a further investigation should not be held at this time. He also recommended that, in order to avoid prejudicing any civil or criminal cases, the report should not be published.
The then Attorney General concurred with this advice but agreed that a short summary of the report could be prepared and published. Accordingly the Department, in consultation with the Attorney General and Judge Smyth, prepared a summary which was sent for information to two patient support groups in January 2011.
In light of Judge Smyth’s recommendation, I do not intend to institute an inquiry into this case. However, I will discuss matters relating to the case further with the Attorney General.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 53.
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