The treatment of residents at a Mayo care centre for people with intellectual disabilities is being investigated by the Gardai, the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

Aras Attracta in Swinford, Co Mayo, is a residential respite and day service for adults with intellectual disabilities. It is managed by the HSE.

However, a report by the RTÉ Investigations Unit, which is due to be broadcast on RTÉ's Prime Time tonight (December 9), shows residents in one unit of the centre being shouted at, force-fed and physically abused, including slapped and kicked.

The abuse was secretly filmed by undercover workers.

According to the HSE, nine members of staff have been taken off duty until the results of its investigation are known.

One of the experts which features in the Prime Time programme, Prof Owen Barr, who is head of the School of Nursing at the University of Ulster, insisted that the actions of some members of staff can be considered assault.

"Striking an individual with intellectual disabilities, indeed striking anyone, is assault and in those circumstances entirely unwarranted. There's no threat, there's no risk," he insisted.

The programme, Inside Bungalow Three, will be broadcast on RTÉ One on December 9 at 9.35pm.