RTÉ will not put creche documentary online

RTÉ last night said it would not make its Prime Time investigation into childcare standards in creches available on its online Player platform, nor would it air the programme again.

Producers of A Breach of Trust also said they would not release screen-grab images or audio of those in the documentary.

A spokeswoman at the broadcaster said the decision not to make the programme available after last night’s screening was taken as a mark of respect to the parents and to raise the issues with a view to provoking wider debate as opposed to making the examples featured last night “endlessly” available.

She said it was not the first time the broadcaster had taken such a decision.

In a statement last night RTÉ said: "Please note that this edition of Prime Time will not be available on the RTÉ Player and will not be repeated after this evening.

“It is the express wish of the parents of the children involved that no screen-grabs or audio relating to creche footage are reproduced in broadcast, print or online.” RTÉ has taken careful steps in its handling of the programme, both during production and in the build-up to its transmission.

It said the findings of its investigation were shared with the creche owners, who were given a right of reply, as were staff members.

“Production was undertaken with the co-operation and guidance of childcare experts,” it said.

“The programme team liaised with a childcare expert throughout production with regular reports and viewing of footage.”

All findings were reported by researchers to the HSE and to creche management in a “timely fashion”. Gardaí were given footage intended for transmission, it said.