Mr Justice TC Smyth, retired from the High Court, has been appointed to chair a review into sexual assaults of patients by former Drogheda surgeon Michael Shine.
Dignity4Patients, a support group for victims, said yesterday it had been informed of the appointment by a letter from Minister for Health Mary Harney.
Ms Harney had promised in October to recruit a former High Court judge to hear complaints made against the consultant to decide whether a full inquiry should open.
Dignity4Patients has welcomed the appointment.