Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their informative presentations, which have demonstrated that we need clear protocols to adhere to best practice. I was struck by the fact that we have no national database for concussion. How would this information be collated and who would be in charge of it? Most sporting activity in Ireland is not supported by medical or paramedic expertise. How can we change this? Education is key, but who should be responsible for rolling out the awareness and education campaigns? Should it be external organisations, the sporting bodies, the Department of Health or the Department of Education and Skills?

Did Mr. Macauley, who said he himself played while suffering from concussion, take the SCAT3 test when he had concussion? I refer again to the all-Ireland football final, when there was a serious collision between Jonny Cooper and Rory O'Carroll 16 or 20 minutes before the end of the game. Johnny Cooper came off but Rory O'Carroll played on for the 20 minutes. There is no doubt that a concussed player's decision-making is impaired. Should a player be forced to leave the pitch? Who is responsible for making this happen? Should it be the referee, a medic or a coach? Should all referees, coaches and volunteers have first aid training? On most weeks throughout the country it is coaches and volunteers who are taking part in under-age matches. There will not be any medics in sight. When it comes to these matches, the decisions are left to the coaches and maybe the referee. Do they all know about SCAT3 and should it be mandatory?