Health Minister to meet Michael Shine abuse victims

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has announced she will meet with victims of Michael Shine. This decision follows a long campaign by survivors of the disgraced doctor, who is accused of sexually abusing over 360 men. The meeting aims to address calls for a public inquiry into Shine's actions and the surrounding circumstances. A spokesperson for the Department of Health stated that the minister is open to discussions with the Dignity4Patients support group and has instructed her officials to make arrangements. Michael Shine was once a respected surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. He started his medical career in 1964 and became a consultant in 1968, serving until 1995. Many survivors believe that the Medical Missionaries of Mary were aware of his abuse but did nothing to stop it. Dignity4Patients is actively campaigning for a formal investigation on behalf of the victims. Lawyer Diarmuid Brecknell represents some of these survivors and is advocating for a public inquiry. Shine has faced multiple legal challenges over the years. He was first accused of abuse in 1995 but was acquitted of charges in 2003. In later trials, he was found guilty of assaults against nine boys. However, new appeals led to a ruling that determined it would be unfair to put Shine on trial again due to various factors, including his age and health.