The Department of Health says it became aware of the course of action being followed by the HSE legal team in relation to "Ms Y" at a very late stage.
Reports today suggest the young asylum seeker - who was refusing to eat -was forcibly fed while waiting for an abortion to be approved.
"Ms Y" was six months pregnant, and deemed suicidal under the Protection of Life during Pregnancy act when she went on hunger strike.
A termination was later granted and her baby was delivered by caesarian section.
Department of Health officials discovered that the HSE had obtained a High Court order to allow them to forcibly hydrate the young woman after she stopped eating.
The Department says it became aware of the course of action being followed by the HSE legal team at a very late stage and was very concerned at the approach they were taking.
Following discussions between the Department and senior HSE officials, the executive's legal team decided NOT to pursue its planned approach.
The HSE also issued a statement this morning saying "Those actually involved in the care of Miss Y at that point, and therefore responsible for the operation of the legislation, had to make decisions in real time in what was very complex circumstances. "
