A far more comprehensive regime of childcare inspections is required, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil.

“The brand image of the childcare profession must be seen to be of the highest standard,’’ he said.

Mr Kenny said legislation establishing a child and family support agency was due to come before the Cabinet within the next four to five weeks.

“I think there is an opportunity here that the image, brand and culture, around for a very long time, can be smashed by the setting up of the new child and family support agency,’’ he added.

He was responding to Tuesday night's RTÉ Prime Time programme highlighting the apparent mistreatment of children in three creches. Describing it as a "shocking expose'', he said it was also important to say that not all childcare services were similar.

Opportunity
He said there was an opportunity to introduce proper inspections focused on the quality of care children received in those centres. The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 was part of that. Twenty-five additional staff were being recruited.

Plans were advanced, said Mr Kenny, to require registration for all childcare providers because of the need to have a national standard.

“Whether they are in Belmullet or in Baltinglass, up in Baltray or down in Ballinskelligs, the standards must be the same,’’ he said.

“Whether they are for profit or not for profit, this is about children and we will not accept any inferior standards.’’

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said the programme uncovered cruelty, emotional abuse and physical heavy-handedness.

“There was clear evidence of gross mismanagement of these centres. There was a fundamental abuse of the trust parents place in the management of these services.’’

Disturbing realities
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the documentary had uncovered disturbing realities.

“We should recognise the excellent work done by many childcare workers who do their jobs properly,’’ he said. “Unfortunately, this is a business and it is for profit and we need to face up to that reality.’’

Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald, replying to a number of TDs, said the incidents shown on Prime Time appeared to constitute serious breaches of the regulations.

“We need stronger and more robust inspections,’’ she said, adding that initiatives were under way geared towards registering all childcare facilities.