Nash: Government must swiftly act on Michael Shine Commission of Investigation pledge
Nash: Government must swiftly act on Michael Shine Commission of Investigation pledge - The Labour Party
Labour TD for Louth Ged Nash has called on Government to move without delay to establish a Commission of Investigation into the actions of convicted sex offender and former doctor Michael Shine, following the publication today of the scoping report undertaken by Lorcan Staines SC, and at the request of the Minister for Health.
Raising the issue with the Tánaiste during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, Deputy Nash said the report marks a historic moment for victims and survivors and urged Government to ensure that every next step is victim centred.
Deputy Ged Nash said:
“The publication of this scoping report is a hugely significant moment for the many victims and survivors who have waited far too long for real justice and accountability. The spectre of Michael Shine has hung over Drogheda for decades. Today offers an opportunity to finally begin laying that ghost to rest.
“The recommendation of the scoping report is clear. Government must now act on it the recommendation for a six-phase Commission of Investigation, chaired by one person with all phases running concurrently and expeditiously. The men have shown extraordinary courage over many years and they deserve nothing less than a comprehensive inquiry and one that is victim and survivor-centred. We are a step closer to that and I want to thank the Minister for Health for the very valuable work she has done, and at every step she has been as good as her word.
“The scale and gravity of Shine’s activities remains almost impossible to fully comprehend. We are talking about a prolific offender who was allowed to assault boys young men, unchallenged, over many years.
“Many of the victims and survivors are my peers and friends. I know the lasting impact their experiences has had but there is a way toward now. Their determination and resilience in seeking justice has been extraordinary and they and the Dignity4Patients group deserve enormous credit for refusing to allow their experiences to be forgotten. Today, they all feel listened to by the State.
“I welcome the Tánaiste’s confirmation today of his continued support for the Dignity for Victims group and his recognition of the importance of ensuring that justice is finally delivered and they victims and survivors will be in included in developing terms of reference, working with government. The next phase of this process must place victims and survivors at its very heart. Government must now move quickly to establish the recommended inquiry and ensure it has the powers necessary and that Dignity4Patients is fully supported. After decades of waiting, victims and survivors deserve nothing less.”