Michael Noonan ‘aware of abuse claims in 1996’

Finance Minister Michael Noonan knew of abuse allegations at a foster home in the southeast as far back as 20 years ago, he has revealed.

Mr Noonan last night confirmed that he received a letter written by the foster father in the controversy directly to himself in 1996, as then minister for health.

The Government moved to establish a Commission of Inquiry on foot of reports in the abuse scandal in the Irish Examiner in recent weeks.