The Irish Nurses and Midwives Association has said it is seriously concerned by HIQA's publication of allegations relating to the treatment of residents at a Co Tipperary care centre without putting the allegations to accused staff.
Earlier, the Health Information and Quality Authority said they have found evidence to support allegations that residents of a Co Tipperary centre for people with intellectual disabilities were shouted at and called names by staff.
Staff also failed to respect residents' dignity and bodily integrity when assisting with intimate care needs.
The independent watchdog's unannounced inspection of St Anne's centre in the Roscrea area, was part of a series of five prompted by complaints about care practices from a social care work student who was on placement with the service last December.
The INMO claims these allegations have been investigated and dismissed by gardaí.
The Daughters of Charity-run centre, which accommodates 31 residents, was found in late January to have major non-compliances in nine out of ten inspected.
Eleven staff employed at two bungalows in the grounds of Sean Ross Abbey were put on unpaid leave pending the outcome of an investigation which an outside party, Conal Devine and Associates, is still conducting for the Daughters of Charity Services
Evidence was also found of failure to provide residents with opportunities to participate in activities in accordance with their interests, capacities and developmental needs.
There was also failure in ensuring that staff members have up-to-date knowledge and skills, appropriate to their role, to respond to behaviour that is challenging and to support residents to manage their behaviour
Staff were not supported to raise concerns about the quality and safety of the care and support provided to residents.
In a statement, the Daughters of Charity Service said it is very disappointing that some of its centres were found to be non-compliant in a number of areas.
It also said the services have been subject to significant budget cuts and a moratorium on recruiting staff over the last number of years.
The organisation said it is engaged in a robust process to turn the services around.
The HSE, which funds the Daughters of Charity Services, has said any untoward, abusive or negative treatment of service users is not caused by resources or staffing levels.
Bernard Gloster, Chief Officer of HSE Mid-West, has expressed concern that recent financial cut backs are often the only reason cited when there are negative findings in services.
In a statement, the INMO says members represented by it have fully participated in an independent, external investigation and have been advised that no evidence has emerged to suggest they behaved inappropriately or unprofessionally.
Mary Fogarty, the union's Industrial Relations Officer, says the union has been advised that the Director of Public Prosecutions has closed the file on the matter and that there is no evidence of shouting or any other form of inappropriate behaviour towards any resident.
She expresses regret and astonishment that HIQA has published reports in the absence of any investigation which ensures due process and the constitutional right of all to fair procedure.
