Groups urge vetting of crèche and preschool workers

CHILDCARE organisations have threatened to stop their participation in a review of childcare regulations unless the new rules enshrine compulsory garda vetting of all crèche and preschool employees.

The National Crèche and Nurseries Association (NCNA) and groups including the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC), and Barnardos have all urged mandatory garda vetting be extended to preschool care.

At present, only children at preschools which are fully-run by the health services are guaranteed that their carers have been screened by gardaí.