An 80-year-old Co Cork GP, whose court case over allegations of sexually assaulting his patients has been dropped, will be examined by the Medical Council, it was confirmed today.
The Medical Council's Fitness to Practise Committee will shortly begin an inquiry into Dr James Barry of Glanmire, Cork.
The inquiry follows the dropping of criminal charges against Dr Barry over more than 200 allegations of sexually assaulting former patients.
In December, the European Court of Human Rights ruled the human rights of the retired GP had been breached by the State's delay in prosecuting him.
The Cork Circuit Criminal Court had put a stay on any prosecution by the state against Dr Barry, until or unless another order was made by the court or the ECHR's decision was appealed.
Dr John Hillery, president of the Medical Council, said: "The Fitness to Practise Committee had, on legal advice, postponed the holding of the inquiry until the completion of the criminal prosecution of Dr Barry.
"The Fitness to Practise Committee will shortly consider the fixing of dates for the hearing of the inquiry. The hearings will take place as soon as possible."
Dr Hillery said the council had written to the GP to remind him he continues to be prohibited from practising by a High Court Order, which was obtained by the council in 1995.
The Medical Council was informed by the DPP that in light of the recent court ruling the criminal proceedings have concluded which clears the way for the committee's inquiry.
Dr Hillary said he hoped the fitness to practice issues in the Medical Practitioners Act would be reformed in the new legislation but due to current restrictions he could made no further comment on the matter.
PA