Mixed response by parents at Links Crèche in Malahide

Parents outside the Links Crèche in Malahide gave mixed responses to last night's RTE programme on conditions at it and two other facilities.

Footage from the Links creche showed one child being thrown onto a mat during sleep time and having their head covered with a blanket.

One mother said she would continue to send her son, who had been there for three years, to Links.

She appeared unconvinced by the allegations of poor care.

“I didn’t think it was as bad as I imagined,” she said. “I kind of feel sorry for them (staff).”

However, she said the overall approach of the programme may bring a welcome focus to the wider industry. “They definitely needed to do it so the (crèches) can be monitored more and the care monitored more.”

Sandra Skelton, who lives nearby and who had taken her daughter out two years ago after just four days, was less conciliatory.

“They were not being looked after properly, that’s what I feel,” she said. “I am so relieved (by the revelations). I actually wanted to buy champagne.

“I know people may not have a choice to leave their kids in care but how they are still there I don’t know.”

One father said: “We are taking our child out straight away.

“We don’t want to hear that this is a once off incident. It seems to be a crèche run by accountants.”