Mathews expresses concerns over childcare services

Dublin South Fine Gael TD , Peter Mathews, has today (Wednesday) raised concerns shared with many parents in Dublin South regarding the breech of regulations within crèches from a Prime Time Investigates programme on crèches which included a crèche in Dublin South.

Speaking on the matter Deputy Mathews stated “I want this issue to be put on the top of the Ministers agenda. I am appalled to think that the children were so badly treated and that their parents have been put under the stress of being misled in terms of what was supposed to be a crèche that looked after these Children.  It is appalling that the most vulnerable citizens were subject to the type of treatment, neglect, bullying, harassment and downright punishment.”

“I raised a number of issues with the Minister for Health and Children. I explained to the Minister that is not good enough referring to the HSE inspection report which stated that 75% of child care facilities were in breach of regulations last year. One of the crèches received over €1 million from the state last year. This is appalling. “

“I called on the Minister to take immediate action on this matter including a request for a root and branch investigation, the introduction of emergency teams to go into crèches that failed inspections and the introduction of qualified paediatric nurses to ensure standards of care are correct.”

“I have been assured by the Minister that we need stronger and more robust inspections which take into account of quality to a far greater degree than the current regime and we need stronger sanctions. The investigation deserves and demands a comprehensive response.” The Department is working towards a more comprehensive and broadly based inspection regime. The Minister has also outlined that the “Childrens First” legislation will be approved by the Government in the coming weeks. This will put structures in places for the reporting of child protection concerns.

“I have noted these assurances from the Minister and it is now a must do for her to deliver”.