The Mental Health Commission has said that an independent inquiry into treatment practices at two psychiatric facilities in Tipperary is nearing completion.
The inquiry was set up in June 2007 and has been examining care and the use of restraint and seclusion at St Luke's Psychiatric Hospital and at St Michael's Unit, South Tipperary General Hospital.
It is believed that a routine visit by the Commission's inspectorate of mental health services this week to St Luke's Hospital raised further concerns.
In a statement, the Commission confirmed that an inspection took place this week at the hospital but declined to give details.
The Commission said that the standard procedure of the inspectorate is that if breaches of a serious nature are found, these are brought to the attention of local management as soon as possible.
It added that the inspectorate then follows up the matter to ensure the breaches are rectified and that patient welfare and safety are assured.
The Commission would not confirm that its inspectorate team were back at St Luke's Hospital today to review matters.
