The Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald says HSE inspection reports into childcare facilities will be published in the next couple of weeks. The Minister says the reports will be made available online.
She has described a Prime Time Investigates programme last night which showed children being manhandled as shocking and disturbing.
The programme "A Breach of Trust" focused on three creches in Dublin and Wicklow, showing footage of children being flung onto mattresses, manhandled, shouted and cursed at and strapped into chairs for hours at time.
The programme also obtained a HSE inspection report which showed that 75% of Irish childcare facilities were in breach of regulations last year. Almost half of creches breached regulations on adult/child ratios and staff background checks, while over 40% failed to provide a safe environment for children.
The HSE report expressed grave concern at what it described as a "culture of light touch regulation" and a "dangerous over-emphasis on the business interests of childcare providers at the expense of the care of children."
Minister Fitzgerald says the inspection system needs to be more robust.
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While the Ombudsman for Children is seeking a meeting with the HSE to discuss her "serious concerns" about the care provided to children in creches.
Parents defend Links Creche
Parents arriving at the Links Creche in Malahide have been defending the child care centre this morning. It was one of three creches named in the Prime Time Investigates programme last night which raised serious concerns about the level of care provided to children.
Speaking to reporters as she dropped her child off this morning one mother said she is very happy with the standard of care at the Links creche and said the concerns are the result of "one bad egg".
While this father of two young girls said he was horrified by the footage shown last night but said his children have never been unhappy at the creche - and he will leave them in it for now.
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Apology issued
Two of the creches featured in the documentary have apologised to parents and children attending their facilities for any distress caused. A statement issued by Giraffe Creche in Dublin said a staff member featured in the footage has been suspended pending an investigation.
Meanwhile Little Harvard Creche in Rathnew, County Wicklow said it was disappointed that the footage focused on "isolated incidents" and did not reflect the commitment, care and love provided by staff to the children every day. A spokesperson said Little Harvard is investigating the incidents and taking all steps necessary to ensure that shortcomings are not repeated.
In a statement, the Association of Childhood Professionals has said last night's programme showed repeat instances of practices that are not acceptable for the childhood sector and it's calling on the Government to work together with its members to ensure the implementation of high quality, national standards.
While Early Childhood Ireland, which represents 3,330 childcare facilities, said they are both disturbed and saddened by the Primetime Investigates programme.
They have said there are no excuses to justify such poor practice.
