Minister for Children Brian Lenihan has warned childcare operators that there is no excuse for lapses in basic safety standards.
Mr Lenihan was speaking after details of more than 300 complaints made by parents against the operators of childcare facilities over a two-year period were revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request.
He told ireland.comthe complaints related to breaches in the existing 1996 regulations.
He said in each case the complaint was followed up by a thorough Health Service Executive investigation.
But he warned operators there was "no excuse for a departure from basic safety".
According to a report in this morning's Irish Examiner a number of serious incidents including children wandering out onto the street and another child having its hands taped behind its back were complained of.
The complaints relate to 2003 and 2004. The also included a child separated from a playgroup in a public area while another child received a dislocated arm at a crèche.
The complaints relate to all areas except the midlands which declined to release data on crèches where complaints were upheld.
Breaches in the staff to pupil ratio were among the most common complaints submitted to the HSE. Another key concern was over the level of educational play and equipment provided.
The HSE followed-up every complaint. A number led to full inspections and two resulted in legal action being taken by the HSE.
Labour Senator Kathleen O'Meara said the complaints give a clear indication that the regulations governing the sector need to be strengthened.
Ms O'Meara said: "Some of the cases mentioned in these media reports are absolutely horrendous. While most childcare facilities around the country are providing a good service to children and their parents, these instances should set alarm bells ringing.
"Minister for Children Brian Lenihan has promised to review the regulations and I would urge him to tighten them up," she said.
Minister Lenihan said revised childcare regulations were on his desk and would be adopted in a matter of weeks.
But he said the complaints related to breaches in the existing legislation and the timing of the new regulations was purely coincidental.