Gardaí say it would be 'inappropriate' to comment on reports that staff at the Áras Attracta care home are to face criminal charges.

A number of staff at the Co Mayo home for people with intellectual disabilities were suspended following a Prime Time documentary last year.

Gardaí subsequently studied almost 200 hours of undercover footage from the home, and launched an investigation into allegations of abuse.

However, gardaí say the investigation is ongoing and it would be 'inappropriate' to comment on reports today that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed charges be brought in relation to five of those working at the facility.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny said earlier this year that criminal charges may be brought against some of the staff at Áras Attracta.

"You can take it that the analysis being carried out by the HSE, by HIQA, by the Minister and the Minister of State will have the support of government," Mr Kenny said.

"Clearly the authorities are in on this, the gardaí are investigating it, a number of investigations are taking place and I expect those to be carried through by those authorities," he added.

Meanwhile the Health Service Executive (HSE) appointed a confidential informant to handle allegations of abuse at care homes following the RTÉ programme, which aired in December.