The director of policy with Early Childhood Ireland, Frances Byrne, is calling for Tusla, Pobal and the Department of Education to form a task force, with powers similar to Hiqa, to carry out inspections of childcare facilities.
It is “a significant weakness” in Tusla’s powers that it takes up to 15 months to close down crèches or childcare facilities where there are issues.
“A better way has to be found that combines due process, but also allows them to act quickly,” Ms Byrne told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.
Early Childhood Ireland represents 3,800 childcare sector members in preschool, afterschool, and full day-care provision around the country.
Ms Byrne said that one umbrella agency involving Tusla, Pobal and the Department of Education should be formed to expedite inspections.
She said: “Bring it all under one organisation, one set of eyes, a one-stop-shop.
“If there are child protection issues Tusla should be allowed to close down a facility immediately."
"There should be a task force of teams from the relevant agencies that could go out and make a decision about a crèche.
“Tusla’s powers need to be increased.”
However, Ms Byrne expressed concern about the use of CCTV cameras saying that it did not bode well for the issue of trust which was important in the relationship between parents and those who care for their children.
There were also privacy issues with parents able to see other parents’ children.
