The doctor accused of indecently assaulting six teenage boys in the 1970s and 1980s told Dundalk Circuit Court yesterday that he rejected claims by an expert witness that he carried out unnecessary and inappropriate examinations on boys.
The former hospital consultant, Dr Michael Shine (72), of Wellington Road, Dublin, has denied 11 counts of indecent assault between 1974 and 1982 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and at his consulting rooms in Fair Street, Drogheda.
The prosecution case concluded yesterday and Dr Shine was the first witness for the defence.
In reply to questions from his barrister, Mr Felix McEnroy, the former hospital consultant said it was quite probable he would have carried out a genital examination on Mr A, who has alleged he was indecently assaulted by the accused on three occasions in 1975.
In direct evidence, Mr Shine outlined his qualifications and experience, as well as his workload as one of two consultant surgeons in the Lourdes Hospital.
The court heard he had three areas of special knowledge relating to diseases of the scrotum, breast cancer and wound healing.
He said he did not agree with Dr Harold Brown, a witness for the prosecution, who said that genital examinations he allegedly carried out on the complainants were unnecessary and inappropriate.
Dr Shine said he tended to examine patients "more fully" and would do a general examination. A full examination would include the head, eyes, glands, chest, abdomen and groin, he said.
He said 70 per cent of diagnosis are made on a patient's history with another 20 per cent by clinical examinations.
The court heard Mr A was treated for fracture of the pelvis caused by a muscle in his leg contracting suddenly during a football match.
Dr Shine said it was quite probable he would have carried out a genital examination on him.
The trial continues before Judge Michael O'Shea.