The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that legislation aimed at introducing an independent inspectorate for nursing homes will not be before the House until the autumn.
Mr Ahern was responding to Opposition calls for the legislation to be brought in before the Dáil summer recess.
He also said that the Health Service Executive believed it had been duped by the operators of the Leas Cross nursing home.
Mr Ahern said the HSE had previously believed it was making progress with the home on care standards.
His comments follow the RTÉ Prime Time Investigates programme, which showed sub-standard care and patient neglect at the home.
