Medical Council will ‘fully engage’ with Michael Shine investigation
- Dignity 4Patients
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
By Michael Hale- 17/06/2026- Irish Medical Times- [Ireland]- [Michael Shine]
It is believed that there may be around 400 victims and survivors of paedophile surgeon Shine’s abuse
The Medical Council has welcomed the publication of the report from the Scoping Exercise in Relation to Allegations of Sexual Abuse Made Against Michael Shine, conducted by Lorcan Staines SC.
Medical Council CEO Dr Maria O’Kane, said, “We welcome the publication of this report and its recommendations, in addition to the Government’s swift acceptance of the full recommendations of the report.
“I want to pay tribute to the victims and survivors, who have shown immense courage in speaking out, and whose continued advocacy over many years has been instrumental in bringing these serious concerns to light. For those involved, the issue is not only the heinous crimes committed but the potential for institutions to have blind spots and to fail to act on warning signs over many years.
“The determination of survivors to seek answers has, and will continue to have, a significant positive impact on patient safety into the future.”
Dr O’Kane added: “The issues raised in this report are serious and deserve thoughtful reflection across the health system and all organisations responsible for protecting patients and maintaining public trust.
“Although our processes and primary legislation have changed significantly in recent years, our focus is on learning from the findings and ensuring that the lessons identified are fully understood. We are committed to fully engaging with and supporting the Commission of Investigation.”
Prolific paedophile Michael was a surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda over four decades from 1964 to 1995 and he also had a private practice.
He was convicted in 2017 and 2019 of abuse of a number of boys. However, it is believed that there may be around 400 victims and survivors of his abuse.
Publishing the report, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the Government has accepted its recommendations in full. Work is now underway with the Attorney General and victims of and survivors on drafting the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the proposed Commission of Investigation.
“I welcome the publication of the report of the Scoping Exercise into Michael Shine,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge the bravery of the individuals who came forward to share their lived experience with the facilitator. It is clear that their experiences have shaped the report and its recommendations.
“I would like to express my thanks to Mr Lorcan Staines for the victim centered engagement he has had with the victims and survivors.
“I would also like to thank Dignity4Patients for their collaboration with Mr Staines throughout the process.”
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.
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Contact the team by phone on 041 984 3730 or text 086 165 4111.
