HSE to raise number of crèche inspectors

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) is to increase the number of crèche and pre-school inspectors following the publication of a number of damning reports.

The HSE confirmed it was to tackle the chronic shortage because of what it described as increased pressure on existing staff.

Earlier this week, figures released to the Irish Examiner showed less than half of the country’s 3,000 crèches were inspected last year. There is a backlog of up to five years in the West, where there are only two inspectors. There are just 40 inspectors nationwide.

Under current regulations, each childcare facility should be checked at least once a year. But the National Children’s Nurseries Association (NCNA) said it takes up to two years in some parts of the country.

NCNA director of services Catherine Bond said: “Along with more inspectors, there is a need for more support staff who would help and advise childcare providers should they not meet the standards required.”

The ISPCC repeated its call for an independent inspectorate.

Its chief executive Paul Gilligan said: “We just want to be sure that crèches are being inspected in a timely manner. If the HSE can ensure that this is happening, that’s fine. But if it can’t, which seems to be the case, then we need an independent inspectorate.”

Children’s charity Barnardos cautiously welcomed the news of a review.

Its director of advocacy, Nora Gibbons, said: “We will see what it means in practice, will they actually appoint more people, and what qualifications will they demand? The HSE should not just allow public health nurses to carry out inspections, but should also allow people who have worked in childcare to do so.

Labour’s spokeswoman on children, Kathleen O’Meara, said the review is long overdue.

“We are in the stages of developing a proper childcare system in this country, and that will require regulation, training and inspection.”

Meanwhile, the Government has announced that 50,000 public childcare places will be made available over the next five years.

Minister for Children Brian Lenihan said €11 million will be provided for 25 new and 37 existing centres.