The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that an investigation is underway after apparent patient files were found in a house in Wexford.

The discovery was made by members of the public at a property in Enniscorthy.

The HSE said it was alerted to the situation after being contacted by them.

A separate investigation is underway by the Data Protection Commissioner.

A spokesperson said: "The HSE can confirm that it was contacted by a member of the public, alleging that confidential documentation relating to clients of its services had been located in a house in the Wexford area."

It added that all the documents are now in the possession of the HSE.

The HSE said it will co-operate with the Data Protection Commissioner's office with any follow-up actions that may be needed.