The Mater Private Hospital says a former staff member convicted of sexual assault had been given Garda clearance.

31-year-old Folajimmy Awode of Ballinteer House, Tyrellstown was found guilty today of the assault on a female patient while she slept in her hospital bed, in November 2013.

The Mater Private released a statement:

“All Mater Private Hospital staff must have Garda Clearance and complete a rigorous recruiting process. Folajimmy Awode had Garda Clearance.

"An investigation and subsequent disciplinary hearing resulted in Mr Awode’s employment at the hospital being terminated.

"Mater Private Hospital deeply regrets the hurt and upset that this incident has caused and apologise unreservedly to the patient in this case.”