Louth Senator Alison Comyn has welcomed the appointment of Mr Lorcan Staines Senior Counsel as the independent facilitator for the scoping exercise requested by Dignity4Patients on behalf of the victims and survivors of Michael Shine.
The appointment follows the Government’s agreement in November 2025 to establish a time bound scoping exercise. Work will commence today and is expected to run for up to 16 weeks.
The Louth Senator described the appointment as a welcome advancement in progressing the process of justice and moving the scoping inquiry forward.
Speaking on the appointment, Senator Comyn said:
Having spoken to Adrienne Reilly, CEO of Dignity4Patients, she tells me that survivors see this as a positive and encouraging step, which will hopefully provide them with confidence in the process as it moves forward.
It is important that their stories are heard and that a full understanding of what happened and how it occurred is achieved.
I continue to believe that a full statutory inquiry is required to deliver the justice that is needed, and I hope this marks the beginning of that journey.
Too many questions remain unanswered and too many voices have yet to be fully heard.
The Senator concluded by stating that victims want to understand how this abuse was allowed to continue for so long. They are seeking peace of mind, but that can only come through truth and accountability.
