Mr. Cian Ó Lionáin:

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach as ucht an chuiridh páirt a ghlacadh sa bplé tábhachtach seo um tráthnóna. At the outset, as the Cathaoirleach has said, the Department is very aware that certain matters relating to safeguarding in football are the subject of an active investigation by An Garda Síochána. We will be very mindful of that during out discussions today.

The allegations made by women involved in football in the 1990s were truly shocking and the bravery of those who came forward to tell their stories is commendable. It is vital that allegations of this nature be taken seriously and dealt with in the appropriate manner. Last year’s reporting of this story, both in print and on television, played an important role in bringing these stories to light. Cases such as these serve as a reminder of the need to be ever vigilant and of the importance of safeguarding policies and procedures in our efforts to create, protect and promote a culture that allows people to speak out about anything that makes them uncomfortable in all sports. It is vital that allegations of this nature be taken seriously by any national governing body of sport, NGB, and that an athlete-centred approach is taken in response.

In August 2023, Sport Ireland launched a new national code of conduct template for sporting organisations, which sets out a set of guidelines and principles that promote the behaviour and conduct expected from our athletes, coaches, supporters, officials, club members, and parents or guardians. All NGBs were asked to use the national template code of conduct as an opportunity to review their existing policies and procedures for handling code breaches to ensure that we have a safe and respectful environment for all involved in Irish sport.

The Government’s national sports policy, which runs from 2018 to 2027 and is overseen by the Department, strives to ensure that all our children have safe, enjoyable and positive sporting experiences and that they develop the physical literacy that will underpin their participation in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.

The creation of a culture of safety that promotes the welfare of children and young people engaged in sporting activities must be at the core of all NGBs’ operations and Sport Ireland’s Safeguarding Guidance for Children and Young People in Sport is a core document in this regard.

Sport Ireland has an extensive suite of guidelines and codes of practice for the protection of children in sport, consistent with child protection guidance and legislation. Last year, Sport Ireland wrote to all NGBs to remind them of their responsibilities and that their policies and procedures regarding player welfare must be up to date and fit for purpose. This guidance includes set criteria for safeguarding compliance. This is a compulsory requirement for NGBs and is a critical element for NGB funding. These criteria are reviewed twice annually. In this regard, Sport Ireland works with NGBs to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to player welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise.

It is important to note however that the FAI, like all NGBs, is an independent autonomous organisation, and as such, is responsible for its own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes. More widely, great strides have been made in increasing female participation in Irish sport in recent years and that now stands at 47%, its highest level ever. The continued investment by the Department in Sport Ireland’s women in sport programme reaching €4 million annually this year, funds projects and initiatives across a wide range of sports, supporting the Government’s vision whereby women have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential in sport. These measures, while positive, must of course be supported by a robust safeguarding framework for all who participate in sport. It is imperative that we demonstrate there is simply no place for abuse of any kind in sport and there should be zero tolerance for any actions that endanger welfare.

In this regard, it is important that any potential instances of misbehaviour, including those recently reported in the media, are treated with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity. I assure the committee that the Department will continue to work with Sport Ireland and other key stakeholders across sport, including the FAI, to build on the support measures already in place, to ensure that there are clear ways of reporting inappropriate behaviours and that the necessary support is provided to those affected. The Department is committed to a "sport for all" approach, aimed at ensuring everyone has the opportunity to partake equally in sport and physical activity, regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability or membership of minority groups such as the LGBTQI+ community, the Traveller community or other ethnic minorities. Work will continue to promote and foster fair play, respect, ethics, integrity and safety not only in football but throughout the entire sports ecosystem.

Wider and ongoing governance reform within the FAI, as set out in the current memorandum of understanding with them is a key priority for the Ministers and the Department. The cascading of good governance throughout its leagues and affiliates as per MOU condition No. 14 is particularly important.