Gilmore: Abuse of children at Dublin crèches 'shocking and disappointing'

"Shocking and disappointing", that is the response of the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore to allegations of the mishandling and verbal abuse of children at two Dublin crèches.

Investigations are being launched after an undercover reporter posed as a care worker at the facilities.

The Tánaiste said that the Children's Minister will be kept updated about the investigations by both Gardaí and Health Service Executive.

Fianna Fáil has called for a greater role for the Health Information and Quality Authority in the inspection of crèches.

Mr Gilmore said that HIQA works with the HSE on this issue.

"The government is very conscious of the continuing imperative to quality in the early years of childcare provision," he said.

"HIQA has for the first time been given responsibility for the child protection standards, the actual inspection of the childcare facilities is a matter for the HSE and for the inspectorate which has that responsibility."