Crowe calls for U-Turn on Tallaght Hospital Crèche Closure

Speaking following the announcement by the Board of Management in Tallaght Hospital that the Small World Crèche would close its doors come August, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has expressed his dismay and shock at the short sighted decision and called for a U-Turn and the reversal of the decision.

Deputy Crowe said;

“Last week, without any consultation or engagement, parents and staff were informed of the Small World Crèches’ closure.

“I have written to David Slevin the Chief Executive Officer of Tallaght Hospital calling for a U-Turn and the reversal of this decision.

“The hospital acts as a community environment and we should make every effort to facilitate as many people from diverse backgrounds to work in that community as possible.

“This decision fails to acknowledge the positive work carried out within the crèche over the last eleven years. It will make life really difficult if not impossible for working parents in the hospital currently availing of the crèche for their young children.

“The reality is that there just isn’t fifty crèche facilities available in Tallaght.

“The parents following this closure ultimatum, have now only three months to source an alternative crèche for their children. This harsh decision if it goes ahead will mean fifty young people will be left without childcare and it remains to be seen whether or not suitable alternative places are available in the immediate locality

“I am appealing to the Chief Executive Officer and his Board to reverse this decision and continue to provide enabling facilities to young families affected by this announcement so they can continue to work in their employment in the hospital.”