Allegations of mistreatment of children at a number of creches were "shocking", Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said as he expressed the Government's deep concern about the reports. "We are taking the issue very seriously indeed."

He told the Dáil the Minister for Children was giving the highest priority to the allegations against creches in north and south Co Dublin and Wicklow, after an RTÉ researcher went undercover as a carer and filmed the reported mistreatment of children.

“She is and will be receiving up-to-date reports on the progress of those investigations and is taking a direct and personal interest in them.”

Mr Gilmore said: “These allegations tap into every parent’s worst nightmare. Parents who dropped their children off at creches this morning need to have confidence and trust in the people who look after their children.”

He said “the mistreatment or abuse of children is unacceptable in any setting”.

It was “shocking and disappointing that any person whose role is to care for our youngest children could behave in the manner described”.

The Garda and the HSE are conducting inquiries into the alleged mistreatment, which was raised by RTÉ. The broadcaster is making a Prime Time documentary on childcare standards.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said the reports highlighted the issue around the inspection and monitoring of standards in such facilities and the adequacy of these inspections. “I understand that footage, which was recorded in a room where younger children are kept, shows children being shouted at, bad language being used and bottles being thrown.”

He said a stronger role for the Health Information & Quality Authority was needed.