The convicted serial sex abuser, Michael Shine, will be released from prison tomorrow. He may have served his prison sentence but there is no end in sight for the survivors. Up to 100 men were expected to receive compensation but a legal dispute between the Medical Missionaries of Mary and the HSE over the indemnification of the HSE for legal costs and related matters has thrown the compensation scheme into doubt. This is a case of lawyers differing while survivors continue to suffer. I have worked with the Dignity4Patients group for many years and I know many of the survivors personally. They have suffered more than anyone should. Many of the men feel they are being retraumatised as the legal rows rumble on, completely oblivious to their pain and suffering. Will the Minister intervene with the HSE and urge the religious order to do the right thing by victims and survivors and to deliver on their legal and moral obligations to survivors?

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. My understanding is that 116 plaintiffs sued the Medical Missionaries of Mary, the congregation, and the HSE arising from damages from Dr. Shine's abusive activities. In the period December 2019 to March 2020, the 116 plaintiffs formally discontinued their claims against the HSE by serving notices of discontinuance. The plaintiffs continue to pursue their claim against the congregation and its insurance company, Allianz. The HSE and the State Claims Agency, SCA, are seeking to recover the costs they have incurred in defending the claims from the congregation and Allianz. These efforts to recover legal costs are not an impediment to the settlement of the 116 claims brought against the congregation and Allianz. That is a critical point. The HSE and SCA have recently agreed to mediation in respect of the recovery of costs issue with the congregation and Allianz. The key point is that is not an impediment to the resolution of the claims by the individuals.