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.