People & Power

Secrets and children

People & Power investigates allegations of neglect in Ireland’s childcare system.

In recent years Ireland has gained worldwide notoriety for the systemic child abuse that took place across the country in religious institutions and parishes.

These horrifying abuses were detailed in two reports from the Murphy and Ryan inquiries in 2009 – and covered in a People & Power report on the subject earlier this year.

Unfortunately Irish children may still be still at risk. Only this time the problems do not stem from the clergy.

As Sinead O’Shea has been finding out, the country’s state-run childcare services are also now being accused of neglecting youngsters for whom they have responsibility.