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The Last Word with Matt Cooper
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The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Gardaí will investigate issues raised in last night's RTÉ Investigates programme on a Dublin crèche chain. The 'Crèches Behind Closed' Doors documentary looked into the standard of care provided at the Hyde and Seek Childcare crèche chain and found a number of problems, from poor treatment of children and staff to sub-standard food. The programme revealed distressed children being left to cry, and being fed watered-down milk. Dr Sheila Garrity, lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre at NUIG, described it as "a harrowing experience to watch young children being manhandled and abused." She noted the "deception of parents" and "the lack of any positive or nurturing environment". Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of The Children's Rights Alliance, said "every aspect" of the crèche chain's care was questionable. "It was really obvious the children were getting no stimulation and were being left to cry." "They cut corners in every aspect of their operation, actually endangering children as a result." They both joined us on The Last Word to discuss what should happen as a result of the revelations, and whether the crèche should now be closed down. Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.