Childcare inspections - HSE must tell parents the truth

OUT of the 400 crèches inspected by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the Cork and Kerry area, only 10% were found to meet the full requirements. Another 5% were found to have some minor breaches, but the other 85% had a catalogue of violations.

Some 200 crèches were not even inspected because there are only six inspectors, according to the HSE. The Irish Examiner had to pay €350 for this information under the Freedom of Information Act.

But we are not entitled to know which crèches failed to meet the required standards. That information has been withheld for competitive and commercial reasons.