The Taoiseach has been heavily criticised for not treating allegations that facilities at the south-east Ireland hospice were failing. Staff had claimed a lack of resources and refrigeration issues had resulted in dead bodies being left to decompose on trolleys at the hospital. In some cases the bodies had been left to rot for so long it led to closed-coffin funerals.
In a letter sent on March 26 to the South-West Hospital Group, four consultant pathologists stated their concerns about unacceptable mortuary conditions at the hospital.
They described "body storage on the floor of the mortuary" following a "surge in activity".
Last week, Mr Varadkar claimed "there was no evidence" to back up the claims.
Leo Varadkar apologised for his comments over Waterford (Image: PA)
However, in a statement issued on Saturday the Fine Gael leader retracted his comments and acknowledged his error of judgement.
Following a special Cabinet meeting, Mr Varadkar said: “This one I got wrong.”
The Irish Prime Minister insisted his previous remarks were made sure to
