Poor-quality crèche care ‘still a problem’

Poor-quality care and conditions are still a problem in some crèches more than a year after a shocking investigation prompted public outcry.

Latest inspection reports on a number of facilities in the Dublin area found staff employed without references or Garda vetting, poor hygiene, lax security, cold rooms, inadequate equipment, and unsecured doors and staircases.

Start Strong, a coalition of organisations and individuals involved in childcare and early education, said the latest findings showed little had been done to tackle problems in the sector, despite the furore caused by the RTÉ Prime Time: Breach of Trust programme last year.