Creches and pre-schools may face closure under new laws
The Cabinet has approved the Heads of Bill on the new sanctions for creches and pre-schools.
The Coalition gave the new rules, which include closure orders and higher fines, the green light before it broke for the Summer recess
Under the proposed legislation, inspectors will have the power to issue statutory notices and orders to facilities found to be in breach of regulations.
Irene Gunning, Chief Executive of Early Childhood Ireland, said their members will welcome the new rules.
She said their members are "stepping up openness" with parents in the wake of the Prime Time Investigates programme which highlighted breaches of care at a number of creches.
