Joanna Byrne TD hosts emotional Dignity4Patients briefing in Leinster House

Tuesday 1st April 2025, 16:18 pm

The AV Room in Leinster House has played host to countless briefings from lobby groups over the years.

Few briefings could have been as emotional as the testimonies given by the survivors of sexual abuse, represented by Dignity4Patients, who were invited to give their presentation by Louth/East Meath Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne.

Dignity4Patients represents the 367+ victims and survivors of former surgeon and convicted sexual offender Michael Shine in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and his private rooms and a local orphanage, from the 1960s through to the 1990s.

Deputy Byrne said “I did warn all those attending the briefing, to listen to the survivors’ testimonies, that what they would hear would be difficult and emotionally taxing. To hear the personal testimonies from the victims of Shines, and their experiences of being ignored, their pursuit of the truth, and the failure of authorities to stop Michael Shine for 30 years.

“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.

“Since 2009 when Dignity4Patients was established as a Charity they have been determined to highlight the plight of sexual abuse victims in Irelands healthcare system. It is now 2025 and they are still fighting.

“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, the victims 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 the 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.

When the meeting concluded Deputy Byrne raised the matter directly with the Taoiseach under questions on promised legislation in the Dáil chamber. 

Deputy Byrne said “There were many tears during the briefing. There were commitments to support the Dignity4Patients ask for a Commission of Investigation. That needs to be followed through on and I will pursue this matter until the Government initiate that Commission.

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