A NUMBER OF créches in North and South Dublin are being investigated following revelations that children were mistreated in their care.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin raised the issue at Leaders’ Questions this morning in the Dáil and asked the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore what assurances the government could give that children across the country are being looked after in public or private care.

“As the government we are deeply concerned about these reports,” Eamon Gilmore said, speaking on behalf of the Taoiseach Enda Kenny who is in Athens today.

He continued that it is “deeply shocking” that anyone could behave in the way described.

(Image: Dáil TV)

RTÉ’s Prime Time Investigates programme secretly recorded staff at a number of créches and is set to broadcast the programme next week.

“It’s every parents’ worst nightmare… Every parent who is dropping a child to créche this morning should have confidence and trust that their children are being cared for,” added Gilmore.

He said “mistreatment is unacceptable in any setting”.

Martin detailed how parents were notified of the allegations at a meeting held last week in Malahide and that one staff member has been dismissed.

The Fianna Fáil leader added that the behaviour of those involved is “inexcusable and unacceptable” and that the “parents concerned are furious”.

“All cases of mistreatment should be reported as they have been in this case,” Gilmore responded.

He added that the HSE have been in contact with RTÉ and would be shown the undercover footage later today. “RTÉ are also liaising with the gardaí on the issue,” he told the house.

Gilmore said the Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald is giving the investigation her highest priority and denied that vetting could have led to this issue, but accepted that the vetting process is “very slow”.