A Garda inquiry into allegations of sex abuse by a carer at a home for children has found no action was taken some years ago when a memo expressing concern about the man was sent to the board. The man was later promoted, it has been found. The Western Health Board, which funded the home, yesterday refused to comment, saying the matter was the subject of a criminal investigation. The abuses are said to have occurred eight to 10 years ago.
The man has now been suspended from his job pending the outcome of the investigations. It is believed he has vehemently denied abuse. Gardai are investigating a second man who may have been involved in sexual abuse of children at the same institution about the same time.