An investigation into allegations of abuse at a foster care home in the southeast is being delayed by a legal procedural issue.
It is alleged that a young woman with an intellectual disability was subjected to sexual and physical abuse at the home where she lived for almost two decades.
The Government agreed in February to establish a Commission of Investigation into the case but it must decide on the terms of reference, the timeline and costs.
A report by Conor Dignam, SC, that will help frame those terms of reference still has to be published before the Government can set up the commission.
The matter was raised in the Dáil yesterday by Fine Gael TD John Deasy who asked the Taoiseach to explain the delay in publishing the report that was completed in late August.
It was confirmed yesterday that one of two legal issues has now been resolved, the Waterford TD was told in a written response last night.
It said that once a final legal procedural matter was addressed, Minister of State Finian McGrath would bring the report to Government with a view to publishing it.
Mr McGrath and his staff have studied the report's findings carefully and work on drafting terms of reference has started, the statement said.
