Minister for Health makes a statement on the "Scoping Exercise" in Dáil Éireann followed by TD contributions.

The Minister for Health has confirmed that the Government has approved a time-bound independent scoping exercise in response to long-standing requests made by Dignity4Patients on behalf of victims and survivors connected to Michael Shine.

The announcement marks a significant development in efforts to address decades of trauma, unanswered questions, and calls for recognition and accountability from those affected.

Independent Facilitator Appointed

Following engagement with the Attorney General, the Minister announced the appointment of Mr. Lorcan Staines SC as the independent facilitator responsible for leading the scoping exercise.

Mr. Staines officially commenced his work on 3 March, with the exercise expected to run for up to 16 weeks. As part of the process, he has been working directly with Dignity4Patients and the Department of Health to finalise the terms of reference that will guide the review.

Survivor-Centred and Trauma-Informed Approach

Government representatives emphasised that the process is intended to remain survivor-centred at every stage. The scoping exercise is being designed to follow a trauma-informed and human-rights based approach, ensuring that the experiences and wellbeing of victims and survivors remain central to the process.

To support this work, Dignity4Patients will be assisted by a number of expert advisers, including:

• Maeve Lewis, former CEO of One in Four

• Professor Phil Scraton, a specialist in inquests and inquiry models

• Solicitor Diarmuid Brecknell of Phoenix Law

The Government has stated that Mr. Staines will receive all necessary supports to carry out the exercise effectively and independently.

Purpose of the Scoping Exercise

The final report and recommendations produced through the scoping exercise will be submitted to Government. These findings are expected to help shape an appropriate and tailored response to the issues raised by Dignity4Patients and to address the needs identified by victims and survivors.

The initiative is viewed as an important step towards examining possible pathways for truth, acknowledgement, and healing.

Commitment to Victims and Survivors

In the statement delivered to Dáil Éireann, the Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring a process that:

• recognises the suffering experienced by victims and survivors,

• honours their voices and lived experiences,

• and seeks a meaningful path toward truth, accountability, and healing.

• 
  

The discussion in the Dáil was followed by contributions from TDs, many of whom acknowledged the courage of survivors who have continued to seek justice and recognition over many years. Dignity4Patients welcomes and appreciates the many positive, uplifting and supportive comments from TD's on the Scoping Exercise and the continued fight on behalf of victims and survivors for justice, truth and accountability. We look forward to the Minister's response to the many points raised by these dedicated TD's on this issue. The Minister's statement in full can be read here: Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill) https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-05-06/speech/170/ The TD's statements can each be read here: Deputy Joanna Byrne https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-05-06/speech/172/ Deputy Matt Carthy https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-05-06/speech/171/ Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-05-06/speech/173/ Deputy Louise O'Reilly https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-05-06/speech/174/ Deputy Ged Nash https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-05-06/speech/175/ Deputy Erin McGreehan https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2026-05-06/speech/177/