Short debate on childcare standards "makes a mockery" of Dáil - Troy

Fianna Fail TD for Longford/Westmeath, Robert Troy, has called for a 'full and proper' debate in the Dáil about childcare standards following Tuesday night's airing of RTÉ’s ‘Prime Time Investigates’.

The RTÉ programme exposed improper practices at a number of childcare facilities and Deputy Troy said a thorough debate on the matter was needed.

'Ten TDs were permitted to raise this matter on Topical Issues in the Dáil on Wednesday but the constraints on the Dáil meant that each speaker only got a minute and a half to raise it and 30 seconds for a follow-up question with the Minister.

'The issue of standards in childcare was aired on RTÉ on Tuesday night for an hour and half and has caused very genuine concerns among parents and people working in the childcare sector. The fact that members of the Dáil would be given just a minute and a half to raise this matter with Minister (for Children and Youth Affairs) Frances Fitzgerald makes a complete mockery of the national parliament.'

The Ballynacargy man said Fianna Fail was 'prepared to work with the government on ensuring there is appropriate time to debate the legislation on the Children First and the Child and Family Agency, but I am extremely concerned that there is still no commitment from the Minister in the Dáil today to publish the Children First legislation before the Summer recess.'

He added that his party was also calling for measures such as the establishment of a special HSE helpline for parents; the introduction of fines on crèche operators where regulations are breached; and 'appropriate monitoring mechanisms for crèches found to be in breach of regulations, including possible introduction of CCTV where parents agree.'

Deputy Troy concluded: “This issue deserves a very thorough debate in the Dáil and I am urging the Minister, in recognising the seriousness of this issue, to ensure the Government provides time for all the issues to be discussed in the House.”