The Minister for Disabilities has promised to set up a Commission of Investigation into the care of people with disabilities in residential settings.

Finian McGrath’s told the Dáil that the cases exposed in recent weeks have given him “cause for concern”.

He was speaking while putting through legislation that will give residential centres an extra two years to reach the standards demanded by the Health Information and Quality Authority.

Minister McGrath said that he hopes the investigation into residential care centres will be given all-party support in the Dáil.

“I’m expecting to receive the report from Conor Dignam, senior counsel, very shortly, which will feed into the terms of reference for a statutory Commission of Investigation,” he said.

“This will be established as a priority, following agreement on the terms of reference, and with the approval of the Oireachtas.

“I will be looking for support, cross-party support for this, in relation to the Commission of Inquiry and also in relation to the terms of reference.”