Two-year-old boy 'tied to chair at Dublin crèche'

The Health Service Executive is reportedly investigating claims that a two-year-old boy was tied to a chair at a crèche in the Blanchardstown area of Dublin.

Reports this morning said the HSE had received a complaint alleging that a female staff member tied the child to the chair after she failed to stop him crying last week.

The woman also allegedly slapped the youngster and threatened to break his legs.

The revelations come amid growing concern about standards in childcare facilities across the country.

Recently released inspection reports show that a huge number of creches and pre-schools are breaching health and safety regulations, while inappropriate practices have also been detected at a number of facilities.