Creche partially closed over food hygiene concerns

State authorities partially shut a leading childcare facility earlier this year over food hygiene concerns.

The latest update from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland shows the Little Treasures Naionra Montessori and After-school in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, received a partial closure order in April.

The order was sent out after inspectors found food was being kept in a nearby lobby instead of a fully operational kitchen, an issue considered a potential health hazard for young children.

The matter was resolved within a number of weeks and the Montessori fully re-opened in early April.

However, coming after the Prime Time exposé on creches brought concerns over childcare service standards back into the spotlight, the now-resolved issue will add weight to fears over the safety of children for reasons other than alleged mistreatment.

Last year, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said children were being put at risk of serious E.coli infections in the creche and childcare sector because of questionable food hygiene.

In Apr 2012, it said there were nine separate E.coli infections in the sector in 2011, resulting in 75 children and adults becoming ill, seven of whom needed to be hospitalised.

The organisation said the figures — the latest available from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre — meant there was a clear need for improvement in food hygiene levels at creches and Montessoris.

Speaking at the time, the FSAI’s chief executive, Alan Reilly, said there were growing issues in relation to food hygiene in childcare settings.

“It is concerning that we are seeing an increase in the prevalence of E.coli in Ireland and we are urging childcare providers to have steps in place to prevent the spread of infection in childcare settings.

“Most E.coli are harmless, but some of them can be particularly dangerous for babies and young children, because their immune systems are still developing and it can be easily spread by diarrhoea or vomit from one person to another.

“Babies need to have their hands washed as often as older children.”

News of the short-term, partial closure of the Co Wexford Montessori — which resulted in fast- tracked improvement — emerged despite the fact no firm action has been taken to date on whether to close the creches at the centre of the Prime Time abuse claims.

A Garda investigation and a separate HSE inquiry have been launched to examine the allegations and what action, if any, needs to be taken.

However, these investigations are expected to take at least a number of weeks before it is determined whether any response to the expose is necessary.