What is described as a highly critical report on Leas Cross nursing home in Swords, Co Dublin is to be published at the end of the month.
Speaking on RTÉ News this evening, Minister for Health Mary Harney said the Eastern Health Board received the preliminary Hynes Report in October 2003.
On foot of that report, the remit of the investigation by the former head of the Blood Transfusion Service Board, Martin Hynes, was widened.
The full report was completed on 8 June and is currently with families, Leas Cross and other stakeholders.
Ms Harney added that it would be published at the end of the month.
Earlier, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern confirmed that the health authorities had a highly critical report on the home since last autumn.
Leas Cross is at the centre of allegations of maltreatment aired in an RTÉ Prime Time Investigates programme last month.
The Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, highlighted the existence of the report at Leaders' Questions in the Dáil this afternoon and called for its publication.
Mr Kenny claimed that it drew attention to an unusually high number of deaths among patients transferred there from a nearby psychiatric institution.
Mr Kenny said the report had also criticised the attitude of the authorities towards inspecting Leas Cross.
Legislation allowing for a statutory regulator for nursing homes will come before the Oireachtas later this year.
Leas Cross owner to fight closure
Meanwhile, the owner of the Leas Cross home has said he will fight any attempt to close the facility.
John Aherne was speaking on RTÉ Radio's Liveline this afternoon in light of reports that health authorities are considering legal action to close Leas Cross.
The Health Service Executive announced yesterday it is to remove 20 public patients from the home because of fears over the standard of care.
It is also advising private patients and their relatives to seek alternative arrangements.
Mr Aherne has offered to lease the home to the HSE so that its 92 residents can avoid disruption.
