Minister for Health Mary Harney today faced growing demands for an independent inquiry into the alleged abuse of former patients of shamed ex-surgeon Michael Shine.
Patient Focus, which represents some of Mr Shine's patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, has also asked the Medical Council to publish details of its fitness to practice hearings against the ex-consultant.
Mr Shine was struck off last November for professional misconduct over alleged inappropriate behaviour with three young male patients.
Although he was cleared of indecent assault charges in 2003, Patient Focus wants the Council's Fitness to Practice Committee to publish transcripts from its hearings and to hand over its report to the gardai.
"Patient Focus believes there are serious questions that need to be answered in this case and the only way they will be addressed is through an independent inquiry," the group said in a statement.
It is understood a number of new complaints against Mr Shine have been made to gardaí in the last month.
Patient Focus wrote to Ms Harney claiming that a substantial number of patients have come forward and are prepared to make complaints about alleged abuse or attempted abuse at Our Lady of Lourdes. Around 80 more patients are believed to be willing to make statements.
A second support group, Aire, has also called for an inquiry into Mr Shine.
Patient Focus said it was prompted to act amid the fall-out from investigations into clerical child sex abuse in the Diocese of Cloyne and claims by the Minister for Children Barry Andrews that the public had to be satisfied the highest standards of child protection were being employed in Ireland.
Mr Andrews made the call as Bishop of Cloyne John Magee continued to face down calls for his resignation over his mishandling of complaints of clerical abuse and his refusal to give investigators information on priests.
Patient Focus said complaints made against Mr Shine should be taken as seriously as allegations against clerics.
Mr Shine worked at Our Lady of Lourdes from 1964 until he retired in 1995 amid allegations of indecent assault against young male patients. He was struck off the Medical Register late last year following an inquiry by the Medical Council.
PA