A creche in North Dublin has been brought to court accused of failing to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of pre-school children last year.

The prosecution is against Links Creche and Montessori in Abington, Malahide and its director Deirdre Kelly from Saint Olaves, Kinsealy.

Our Courts Correspondent Francesca Comyn reports:

 There are 20 allegations against Links creche – the court heard 16 of them relate to welfare issues including the alleged failure ensure that no practices that are disrespectful, degrading or exploitative were carried out in respect of any child in its care.

The prosecution has been brought by the Child and Family Agency under the 1991 Childcare Act arising from information supplied by RTE's Prime Time Investigates including 40 hours of film footage.

The creche is also accused of failing to ensure records were open to inspection.

Links Director Deirdre Kelly is also facing 4 counts relating to police vetting of staff and record keeping at the creche.

The cases will come back before Judge John O'Neill on November 18th ahead of a full hearing.