Keane calls on HSE to reverse decision to close Small World Crèche in Tallaght Hospital

Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, has today (Thursday) called on the Board of Management of Tallaght Hospital (ANMCH) to reverse their controversial decision to close the Small World crèche in the hospital.

“This decision has infuriated the staff, parents, crèche workers and all who have used or are planning to use this crèche. I raised this issue in Seanad Éireann and have also consulted with the Minister for Health, James Reilly, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, the Child and Family Agency and the South Dublin County Childcare Committee to try and halt this proposal.

“Parents and staff have contacted me having received an e-mail informing them that it is proposed to close the crèche on August, 29^th 2014. This news has sent shockwaves among parents who use the crèche, the staff and the wider workforce of the hospital. The crèche has been in operation for over 11 years and provides excellent quality childcare for the working parents at the hospital.

“This crèche complies with the Childcare Regulations and has been inspected by the Child and Family Agency. I am also quite confident having visited the crèche that it is well equipped to address any new regulatory requirements that may arise.

“I know that the crèche is currently operating out of a porto-cabin on the Hospital site and that there are proposals from the HSE over the coming year to construct a new ambulatory care facility which may occupy part of the current crèche site. I put forward a proposal in the Seanad today, that the new ambulatory care facility (or some other new build) should incorporate a purpose built on site crèche. Minister Flanagan in responding to the proposal said that while this is outside his direct responsibility, he will discuss the proposal with Minister Reilly.

“I believe that workplace crèches should form an important component of a comprehensive women’s health and family welfare law to address the obstacles inhibiting women re-entering the workforce. Balancing a career and parenthood is difficult enough; we should all try to facilitate rather than hinder parents in the workplace.

“In the 1990s while I was a member of South Dublin County Council, I instigated the establishment of a crèche facility, making us the first Local Authority in Ireland to provide childcare facilities. I understand first-hand the importance of providing childcare facilities in the workplace and, in particular, in a large workplace like Tallaght Hospital.

“Studies show that workplace crèches improve productivity; they result in a contented, focussed workforce, they encourage breast-feeding, reduce stress, and most importantly they mean a shorter commuting time.”