Grace files: Garda probe began in 2010

Gardaí last night gave an update on the investigation into the alleged abuse and how its scope was widened because of other concerns raised about the same foster family.

Files were passed on to higher authorities.

A Garda spokesperson said: “In 2010, a formal Garda investigation commenced, under the direction of superintendent, Thomastown, as a result of disclosures made by a social worker with the HSE, which provided details of possible sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, by her foster parents, of a 26-year-old vulnerable female, in the care of the HSE.