Sport Ireland to receive draft report on adult safeguarding in coming weeks
A joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates resulted in three coaches involved in the game being stood down by the FAI.An Garda Síochána and Tusla were alerted to the allegations by the FAI. The former coaches deny any wrongdoing.Further concerns were raised more recently following a Sunday Independent investigation into events at Rowing Ireland, with a number of athletes - including former Olympians - expressing extreme dissatisfaction with how they were treated and criticising the culture that existed under the sport’s former performance director, Antonio Maurogiovanni.Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue said that an independent global body, Safe Sport International, was finalising a draft report into adult safeguarding in sport.“Sport Ireland’s statutory function with regard to safeguarding is to develop and disseminate guidelines and codes of practice promoting best practice for the protection of children in sport, consistent with child protection legislation,” he remarked.“As a result, its traditional focus has been on the safeguarding of children as outlined in the Sport Ireland Act 2015.“However, in recognition of the emerging requirement for action both nationally and internationally, Sport Ireland recently commissioned Safe Sport International to conduct a needs analysis in the area of safe sport for adults, and my department continues to engage with it in that regard.“Sport Ireland expects to receive a draft report from Safe Sport International in the coming weeks.“It is anticipated that this analysis and the recommendations arising from it will be considered in the context of Sport Ireland's overall sports governance and administration guidance for the sports sector, and also in the context of the development of the next 10-year National Sports Policy, a process that I have recently initiated.Sports Minister Charlie McConalogue. Photo: Brian Lawless“As Minister, I fully support the implementation of effective safeguarding policies and procedures for adults and children across the sports sector, while acknowledging that NGBs are independent, autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance, including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.”The comments came in response to parliamentary questions from Labour TD Robert O’Donoghue, with the Minister adding that the participation of women in sport is a vital part of the current National Sports Policy, which runs until next year, and insisted that it represents a “core priority” for his department.He said that the Government is committed to ending the gender participation gap in sport, which he stated currently stands at 2.8pc, and that it promotes a ‘Sport for All’ approach that targets equal participation regardless of gender.“Sport Ireland works with the National Governing Bodies of Sport to ensure that appropriate safeguarding and athlete welfare policies are put in place, as well as mechanisms to handle complaints or issues when they arise,” Minister McConalogue said.“Sport Ireland launched a national Code of Conduct template for sporting organisations in 2023, setting out guidelines and principles promoting the behaviours and conduct expected from athletes, coaches, parents and guardians, supporters, referees and officials, and club members.“All NGBs were asked to use this template Code of Conduct as an opportunity to review their existing policies and procedures for handling code breaches, to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved in Irish sport, including women.”At a joint Oireachtas hearing in January on high-performance athlete welfare and safeguarding, Sport Ireland maintained that it responded ‘immediately, appropriately and promptly’ to any welfare concerns raised with it about an alleged toxic and bullying culture in Rowing Ireland.Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May explained at the hearing that the organisation's focus had been on the safeguarding of children until recently.“While Sport Ireland does not have statutory investigative powers, our role is one of guidance and support,” Dr May said.“Sport Ireland delivers over 3,500 child safeguarding workshops annually. Non-compliance with relevant legislation can result in suspension or withdrawal of financial support.“With regard to safe sport for adults, Sport Ireland recently commissioned Safe Sport International to conduct a needs analysis.”
