Conduct at Irish crèches called into question on ‘Prime Time’

A HSE inspection report into childcare centres across the country shows that 75% of them were in breach of regulations last year.

The report was aired in a 'Prime Time Investigates' documentary broadcast on RTÉ tonight which revealed widespread breaches of childcare guidlines.

The programme focused on three creches in Dublin and Wicklow, and showed footage of children being flung onto mattresses, manhandled, shouted at and strapped into their chairs sometimes for hours at a time.

The HSE inspection report expresses "grave concern" at what it describes as a "culture of light touch regulation at the expense of children's care" and a "dangerous over-emphasis on the business interests of childcare providers."

Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald is due to make a detailed comment on the contents of the programme tomorrow.