A public inquiry will be held into the sexual assault of patients by former Drogheda surgeon Michael Shine, Minister for Health James Reilly has promised.
Mr Reilly said he planned to ensure that an Oireachtas inquiry into Dr Shine proceeded once the way was cleared through the holding of a referendum on the Abbeylara judgment later this year.
Oireachtas committees have been unable to hold inquiries that might result in adverse findings against individuals since the judgment, but the Government plans a referendum to overcome this.
Mr Reilly told the Joint Committee on Health today that following discussions with the Attorney General they had agreed there could be an inquiry into the issue once the referendum was passed.
Last year, a report by a retired High Court judge recommended against an inquiry. Mr Shine was struck off the medical register in 2008 after being found guilty of professional misconduct over inappropriate behaviour towards three male patients at the hospital.
He was acquitted on all indecent assault charges when tried at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in 2003. But since he was struck off the medical register, more than 200 additional patients have come forward alleging abuse. A Garda investigation is continuing.