The Health Service Executive (HSE) is to investigate a number of allegations - including slapping and forced feeding - at a residential respite centre for adults with intellectual disabilities in Co Mayo.

In a statement this morning, the HSE says measures have already been put in place at the Aras Attracta facility in Swinford, with those staff against whom allegations have been made put off duty until the results of the investigation are known.

"The matter is being treated extremely seriously by the HSE at both local and national level," it said.

HIQA and the gardaí have been informed of the allegations, and local managers are liasing with the families involved.

The investigation is being carried out by the HSE and will be led by an independent expert.

Aras Attracta will also be subject to review in order to ensure that the standards of care there meet the needs of the service users.

HSE's national director for social care, Pat Healy, said: "It is of critical importance that all vulnerable people in our care receive the highest level of safe and respectful care."

"Actions such as this, should they be proved to be founded, are wholly unacceptable in any facility that provides care to vulnerable people. Consequently, these allegations will be investigated promptly and thoroughly in order to establish the full facts, having due regard to the principles of fairness and natural justice," he added.

Today, he told Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy: "I seriously regret that this is arising now. The work we have done immediately is to ensure that safe and appropriate services are provided there today.

"These are allegations but we are taking them seriously and therefore there will be a full investigation."