Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 536: To ask the Minister for Health if he will establish a Commission of Investigation pursuant to the Commission of Investigation Act 2004 or another form of credible inquiry about the sexual abuse perpetrated against patients in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth; if he will investigate all matters in relation to and arising from this case, including an investigation into the way complaints were dealt with by the hospital, the Health Board, the Health Service Executive, the Department of Health and Children and any other relevant party, as called for by a joint Fine Gael and Labour Private Members' motion in July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Earlier this year I indicated that the issues raised by the case of Michael Shine, former Consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, would be the subject of an inquiry by an Oireachtas Committee. This decision followed consultation with the Attorney General, and was dependent on the powers that had been proposed under the 30th Amendment of the Constitution.

As it was not possible to proceed as proposed I will be giving consideration to how best to deal with the issues involved in the Michael Shine case. My Department is currently exploring the options in this regard including the possibility of a Commission of Investigation under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. I also intend to consult with the Attorney General in view of the complex legal issues involved.