Allegations of severe abuse at a South Dublin creche have led to the suspension of four childcare workers.
It comes amid claims that toddlers were slapped on the head, hit on the legs, force-fed until they vomited, and verbally abused with cruel remarks such as being called “fatty.”
It is also alleged that children’s noses were wiped so harshly they fell backward and injured their heads.
The abuse is reported to involve up to six toddlers aged between two and three years old.
Gardaí and Tusla have launched investigations. Two staff members having their Garda vetting clearance suspended.
Two additional workers were suspended for allegedly failing to report the concerns in a timely manner.
The Irish Times reports that a staff member first raised concerns about the abuse with management in mid-March.
However, when no immediate action was taken, the whistleblower anonymously reported the issues to Tusla later that month.
It is understood that the whistleblower, through a third party, also reached out to a parent and the Gardaí to escalate the matter.
Both Gardaí and Tusla are conducting inquiries into the situation, with the creche now under intense scrutiny as the investigations unfold.
