HSE inspection reports show that three quarters of childcare facilities were in breach of regulations last year.
The reports which were obtained by Prime Time investigates reveal almost half of creches breached regulations on adult/child ratios and staff background checks, while over 40 percent failed to provide a safe environment for children.
The HSE report also expresses 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.”
Last nights documentary also included disturbing footage obtained by an undercover reporter showing children being flung onto mattresses, manhandled, shouted and cursed at and strapped into chairs for hours at time.
Dr Caitriona O’Toole, Child Psychologist from NUI Maynooth, said the footage of a very young girl being forcefed is deeply disturbing:
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