Dr. Adrian McGoldrick:

No, I am just referring to the general public. The vast majority of concussions in equestrian sports occur in the recreational area, and this is of major concern. Regarding the presence of doctors, I cannot simply turn up to oversee a race meeting or GAA match. I must inform my medical indemnifier that I am doing so. This is mandatory or I will not be insured. A doctor in such circumstances also must be trained to a level sufficient to cover the risks he or she is undertaking. For example, in horse racing, doctors must undertake a one-day course every three years. I was concerned when I heard recently that the Medical Council is considering mandating a three-day course for all doctors participating in sports activities. If this goes ahead, there will be a risk that many sports will not be able to get general practitioners to oversee them. Perhaps this committee could suggest to the Medical Council that a one-day course is more than adequate. Most GPs cannot afford to take three days off in order that they can cover one or two point-to-point race meetings or GAA matches. There must be a balance between what is appropriate and what is feasible.

Doctors must be trained and must inform their indemnifiers, which is not as easy as one might think. In terms of education, one small body cannot do everything. The Departments of Health and Education and Skills and the sporting bodies have roles to play, and all are working together on education. It is important to inform the public on concussion issues, but it is as important or more important that we educate the medical personnel who must diagnose and treat these injuries. Educating the public and professionals must be done hand in hand. There is no point in taking a child to a GP with concussion if he or she does not know how to diagnose and treat it.

I agree with Deputy McLellan on the need for a database and that we require a survey that examines schools. A model can be drawn up on what should be done using accident and emergency departments. The suggestion relating to first aid training would be impossible for one body. The Order of Malta, St. John Ambulance and other bodies do great work and I suggest we allow them to continue doing so.

Senator van Turnhout mentioned legislation, and I have referred to this. In the current climate we should not take this route first because we are a long way behind. We must roll out an education programme on a voluntary basis and, if it is felt in two or three years that we did not succeed in this, legislation could be considered. The laws introduced in the United States vary greatly and are not all adhered to, so I do not think legislation is the way to go.

Senator Burke mentioned young players and education is the key to this as there is a massive information deficit on concussion and its management.