Leinster House was the scene of an emotional and powerful moment last week as survivors of sexual abuse, represented by the advocacy group Dignity4Patients, shared their experiences in a deeply moving session hosted by Sinn Féin TD for Louth/East Meath, Joanna Byrne.
The briefing, attended by members of the Oireachtas from across party lines and constituencies, focused on the horrific abuse perpetrated by disgraced former surgeon Michael Shine.
Represented by Dignity4Patients, more than 367 people have come forward alleging they suffered abuse by Shine between the 1960s and 1990s at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, his private practice and a local orphanage.
Deputy Byrne opened the event by warning attendees that the testimonies would be “difficult and emotionally taxing.”
She described the survivors’ statements as an account of being ignored, of seeking the truth and of the failure of the authorities to stop Shine over a 30-year period.
She continued by saying: “It took tremendous courage for them to come to Leinster House, stand up and tell their truths to Oireachtas members from all parties, from Louth and across the state.”
She noted that Dignity4Patients, established as a charity in 2009, has been working since it began to highlight the issue of sexual abuse in the Irish healthcare system. “It is now 2025 and they are still fighting,” said Deputy Byrne.
“To date, the victims have been failed by the state. Promises, including those to initiate proceedings have not been kept. Their asks are very simple, they are seeking a Commission of Investigation into, not just the actions of Michael Shine, but the failings of the public authorities and how it was allowed to go on for such a period of time as it was. They wants supports for the victims of abuse put in place. They want all of those responsible to be held to account, and they want mechanisms in place to ensure crimes committed by Michael Shine over such a period of time can never occur again,” Deputy Byrne stated.
When the meeting concluded Deputy Byrne raised the matter directly with the Taoiseach under questions on promised legislation in the Dáil chamber.
“There were many tears during the briefing,” Deputy Byrne noted. “There were commitments to support the Dignity4Patients request for a Commission of Investigation. That needs to be followed through on and I will pursue this matter until the Government initiate that Commission.”