Families of five babies who died in Portlaoise hospital may never find out who was responsible, according to the head of the HSE.
Tony O'Brien has written to the Department of Health outlining concerns about how the inquiry into the infants' deaths was being carried out.
According to the Irish Times, Mr O'Brien has confirmed the outcomes of disciplinary proceedings would have to remain confidential.
Health Correspondent with the newspaper is Paul Cullen: