Minister for Health Mary Harney is to establish a review to consider the allegations of serial sexual abuse against former Drogheda surgeon Michael Shine.
The review will be chaired by a former High Court judge and is expected to conclude within a few weeks.
Dignity for patients met with Mary Harney to seek a public inquiry into the allegations.
Dignity 4 Patients Coordinator Bernadette Sullivan said the group was disappointed that a full public inquiry is not being established, but they hope the review will pave the way for such an inquiry.
150 former patients of Michael Shine allege they were sexually abused by Mr Shine over a period of 30 years at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
Michael Shine was acquitted in 2003 of sexually assaulting six complainants.
Gardaí are currently investigating more than 80 allegations of abuse against him.
He was struck off the medical register last year following an investigation by the Medical Council.
Once set up, the review is expected to conclude within a few weeks.
Groups representing victims of sexual abuse have welcomed the setting up of a review.
