Nothing inhibiting gardaí or Butler from investigating nursing home claims, says Taoiseach

Micheál Martin at the opening opening of the Haulbowline People's Park in Co Cork on Saturday. Picture: Neil Michael

Neither garda detectives nor Mary Butler are “inhibited” from investigating allegations of neglect or abuse or other safeguarding issues in nursing homes, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said.

He was responding to questions about the Minister of State for Older People’s announcement that she would refer such allegations to gardaí, despite previously promising to investigate allegations herself personally.