The Health Service Executive in the mid-west has confirmed that 16 children have sought medical advice when they became unwell after being treated at a public dental clinic in Ennis, Co Clare.
It is understood that drain cleaning fluid, diluted with water, was used to clean instruments during dental surgery at the HSE Dental Clinic on Bindon Street.
Two children presented at an emergency department complaining of mild irritation to the mouth and feeling generally unwell.
Others presented at their GPs whilst some parents were only informed either late last night or early this morning as to what had taken place.
An investigation is under way and the HSE is advising anyone who feels unwell to go to their GP.
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HSE Mid-West Chief Officer Bernard Gloster said the incident was "regrettable and unfortunate" and apologised for any "concern or upset caused to the children and their families".
"We are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure they are supported and have adequate information. We will be conducting a full review to establish all of the facts," he said.
One parent, whose 12-year-old boy attended the clinic last Wednesday, said her child's mouth was burnt following treatment.
The parent, who did not wish to be identified, said she returned to the clinic on Thursday to alert them that there was an issue.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, she said she believes she was the first person to alert the clinic, but only learned on national radio that it was drain solution that had been used.
She said she would like an apology to be issued.
She said: "I had been contacted by the clinic this morning and they said it was possibly a solution combination mix of water. Unfortunately, I have since learned on national radio that it was drain cleaning product that had been used.
"I'm very angry. I do think it would have helped a little if I had been contacted personally first of all. It is upsetting. It could have been a lot worse for my child and all of the other children who have been affected by this."
