Appointment of facilitator paves way for a full inquiry
- Dignity 4Patients
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 20
By Sinn Féin News- 04/03/2026- [David Cullinane TD]
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has welcomed the appointment of Lorcan Staines SC as independent facilitator for the scoping exercise relating to the Michael Shine case.
Deputy Cullinane said that Sinn Féin has always supported survivors in their call for a full public inquiry to establish the truth for victims.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“The appointment of Lorcan Staines SC as independent facilitator is an important step forward. It is vital that this process is conducted in a victim-centred, trauma-informed and transparent way.
“However, the central issue has always been and remains the need for a full public inquiry into the abuse carried out by Michael Shine and the circumstances that allowed it to happen for so long.
“Survivors and their families deserve nothing less than the full truth and accountability.
“I want to commend the courage and persistence of all of the survivor groups, including Dignity4Patients and others, who have campaigned tirelessly for justice. Their determination to ensure that the experiences of victims and survivors are recognised and addressed has been central to bringing this issue to this point.
“Sinn Féin will carefully examine the terms of reference for the scoping exercise once they are drafted. It is essential that the process is transparent and leads to the comprehensive inquiry that survivors have long demanded.
“Above all, the voices and needs of survivors must remain at the centre of this process. They have waited far too long for answers and the Government must ensure that this process delivers the justice survivors deserve.”
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, support is available.
If you have previously used our service, we encourage you to get in touch again for support.
We also welcome contact from anyone who wishes to participate in an inquiry process, including individuals with relevant information, whether or not they are victims.
The Dignity4Patients helpline is open Monday to Thursday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Contact the team by phone on 041 984 3730 or text 086 165 4111.
Dignity4Patients Commentary: Dignity4Patients thanks Sinn Féin for their support this week as the commencement of a Scoping Exercise is warmly welcomed by victims and survivors, many of whom have campaigned with immense courage to have their voices heard.
Adrienne Reilly, CEO, noted: “This marks an important and positive step forward for the victims who have shown immense courage in launching a public campaign to seek truth, acknowledgment and accountability.”
This development is welcome and look forward to working closely with Lorcan Staines, Phil Scraton, Maeve Lewis and others involved in progressing this work to deliver the transparency and accountability that victims and survivors have long sought and deserve.
