A recent investigation by RTÉ has revealed that the Department of Children has instructed a Dublin crèche to reimburse fees to numerous parents due to a violation of State grant regulations resulting from an increase in childcare fees.
Hyde & Seek Childcare, which has faced previous controversies regarding its standard of care, was found to have raised fees despite participating in a government-funded grant program aimed at enhancing affordability and quality in the childcare sector.
Following a review by Pobal, it was discovered that fees at Hyde & Seek’s Glasnevin branch had significantly increased, with some prices rising by over 10%. As a result, the crèche was directed to restore fees to the appropriate levels and refund affected parents within 30 days.
Despite denials from Hyde & Seek regarding the allegations, affected parents have yet to receive refunds for overpayments and continue to be charged the increased fees. This development comes after 41 families settled lawsuits against Hyde & Seek earlier this year following an investigation by RTÉ in 2019.