<p>
	Gardai investigating the alleged sexual assault of two children at a creche have not yet interviewed either of the kids at the centre of the probe.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The employee who the shocking allegations were made against has also not been arrested or formally interviewed by investigating officers.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	It is understood that the person has not worked at the creche since a complaint was received by gardai in Co Kildare.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;This investigation was always going to be a slow burner and so it has proved,&quot; a source said last night.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Complaints</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;The alleged victims have yet to be spoken to by specialist investigators and there have been no arrests so far.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;In fact, there are no plans for an arrest in the near future.&quot;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The investigation started around four weeks ago when officers received separate complaints that two children had been sexually assaulted at the Co Kildare creche by a staff member.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	It is understood that the creche has complied with all relevant child protection measures.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Gardai confirmed at the time that they were investigating the case.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The investigation is being led by Garda Superintendent Gerry Wall.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Gardai will share information regarding any child protection concerns with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Tusla will assess the level of reported child protection concerns and determine if any action needs to be taken.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	This can involve a decision to remove a childcare worker, who is not vetted by gardai, if deemed appropriate.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	A spokeswoman for Tusla said that it would not comment on individual cases.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;This is to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the children and families with whom we work,&quot; the spokeswoman said.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Vetting</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Under regulations updated this year, childcare services have to carry out Garda vetting of staff and also a reference check.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	This must also extend to unpaid workers and volunteers.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	There must also be police vetting from abroad of employees who have lived outside the jurisdiction for six months.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The Garda vetting must be retained for five years from the date of employment.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	(Published by Herald.ie on the 16th January 2017)</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.herald.ie/news/gardai-have-yet-to-interview-kids-in-creche-sex-assault-35369697.html">http://www.herald.ie/news/gardai-have-yet-to-interview-kids-in-creche-sex-assault-35369697.html</a></p>
