The head of the HSE Tony O'Brien has confirmed that a confidential informant has been appointed to handle allegations of abuse at care homes.
O'Brien made the announcement at the start of a national summit to handle the fallout from the Prime Time programme on Aras Attracta in Co Mayo - which showed residents being kicked, force-fed, slapped and verbally abused.
Mr O'Brien added he is considering appointing undercover investigators to root out and prevent any further mistreatment at HSE homes.