The Tánaiste says the government is deeply concerned at the alleged mistreatment of children at two creches in Dublin. The Health Service Executive (HSE) and Gardai have launched investigations on foot of complaints by parents.
Eamon Gilmore has told the Dáil that footage obtained by the investigations unit of RTÉ of the alleged mistreatment will be shown to authorities today.
It is reported one childcare worker has been sacked and 5 others reprimanded because of the mishandling and verbal abuse of children. The creches involved have issued statements to say they are dismayed, and action is being taken.
The undercover footage has reportedly been captured at facilities in Stepaside and Malahide.
Mr. Gilmore says the government is shocked at what is emerging and the coalition is taking this seriously.
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Separately the Minister for Children says she expects to be briefed today on the childcare controversy to hit the two creches.
One facility has confirmed that it has fired a staff member and suspended 3 others after the footage came to light.
Frances Fitzgerald says she is taking the claims seriously. "These are allegations at this point, they've been reported to the HSE and the gardai - they're being investigated" she said.
"We will examine precisely what has happened here; and the creche owners - the childcare providers - have taken it would appear very urgent action as soon as they became aware of the issues that have arisen in these situations" she added.
