Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The "Breach of Trust" programme broadcast by RTE last night as part of the "Prime Time Investigates" series showed a disgraceful and unacceptable level of abuse, intimidation and neglect of the children in the facilities concerned. We should bear in mind, however, that the vast majority of crèches are run professionally. The vital element is the system of inspection in force. In County Louth, for example, where the Health Service Executive is rigorous in its inspections, there are very few problems. The difficulty is the lack of standardisation throughout the country.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout will be aware from her work on the referendum on children's rights that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is wholly committed to the welfare of children.