FF Call For Update On 37 'Critical Créches'

Tusla and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs have been called on for an update on the 37 previously identified "critical créches".

Making the call, Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Children and Youth Affairs, Anne Rabbitte, is seeking an update on the progress made with the crèches recently revealed by the Child and Family Agency as being deemed 'critical', the highest level of their risk register.

Deputy Rabbitte said: "Transparency is vital here and parents need to know their children are safe and since neither the Department or Tusla are revealing where these 37 crèches are, we need to know that these providers are making progress towards being compliant because if they're not, that's very worrying.

"I've called for a follow-up meeting of the Children's Committee with Tusla once the Dáil returns. At least then, parents can rest easy knowing their children's welfare isn't at risk. This can't be dragged out; a clear timeline is needed.

"In addition to this progress report, we then learn this week that Tusla conducted 10% fewer inspections of childcare facilities in the first quarter of 2019 than it conducted in the same quarter of 2018.

"Between the problems highlighted on RTÉ Investigates and now this, I have serious concerns about the resourcing of the Early Years Inspectorate and I'm not confident that they are being equipped to go into crèches as often as needed and ensure that important child protection rules are being followed.

"The Minister has indicated changes she's exploring but we need action, not inertia. I will be bringing forward legislation to bulk up Tusla's powers to close poor services, but it's important that Tusla is able to visit crèches to identify cases where action is needed," concluded Deputy Rabbitte.

(MH/CM)