A Dublin creche group, which is facing calls to shut down following an RTE documentary, says its service will soon be reviewed.
Last night's RTÉ Investigates programme on the Hyde and Seek chain of creches in Dublin showed babies being restrained in high chairs for long periods, causing them to become distressed.
It also revealed fire safety issues at the creche, cots crammed tightly together, and breaches of adult to child ratios, meaning up to 20 toddlers were left in one worker's care.
The Children's Rights Alliance is calling for the creches in last night's documentary to be closed down.
PRESS RELEASE
Read our full statement on concerns raised by #RTEInvestigates 'Crèches, Behind Closed Doors' programme last night: https://t.co/TNEhNpKEJo pic.twitter.com/Fx52GD3Ao4
— ChildrensRights.ie (@ChildRightsIRL) July 25, 2019
In a statement released this afternoon, Hide and Seek creches say "We will shortly retain an expert external consultant to review our management structure and our service."
The group says it began that search earlier this week.
It maintains that it always strives to "provide the highest quality of childcare".
Children's Minister Katherine Zappone says she was shocked to see what was happening at the creches:
PRESS RELEASE: Minister Zappone response to RTÉ investigation into crèche failings. https://t.co/X37iEPFcFS
— Department of Children and Youth Affairs (@DCYAPress) July 25, 2019
Meanwhile, Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance says: “Any childcare facility that continually flouts regulations must face sanctions, funding cuts and closure."
