The Taoisaech has described the treatment of vulnerable patients at Leas Cross nursing home in Dublin as "shocking".
Speaking in the Dáil today, Mr Ahern said last night's Prime Time Investigatesprogramme - which alleged sub-standard care and patient neglect at the Swords home - was "distressing and upsetting".
He said the Government was "deeply concerned" by the situation at Leas Cross and that there would be an inquiry into the issues raised on the programme.
Mr Ahern said legislation to establish a "new and stronger" regulatory system to protect vulnerable people was due before the Dail later this year..
He said a new social services inspectorate - independent from the Health Services Executive (HSE) - would be established to oversee both private and public nursing homes.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the documentary "exposed degrading, humiliating treatment that should not be tolerated in any society".
Mr Kenny some patients at the Leas Cross home had "paid through to the nose for the privilege of being effectively tortured".
He said the programme raised serious questions about the regulation of nurses homes by the HSE.
Mr Kenny said it was "utterly inexcusable" that nursing homes should be notified in advance of inspections.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said the scenes were "shameful for the Government and shameful for our society".
Mr Rabbitte said even the minimal standards under the existing legislation were not being enforced in nursing homes.