Staff not vetted at half of inspected creches

Staff working in almost half of the creches and playschools inspected by the HSE in the past 12 months had not been vetted by gardaí.

In addition, more than a quarter failed to safeguard the health and welfare of children, while a fifth had inadequate sanitary facilities, according to reports published last month.

One in 10 creches did not comply with fire safety measures and 12% failed to meet requirements for the provision of facilities for rest and play.