Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As he is aware, the matter in question is the subject of an ongoing Garda investigation and we must remain mindful of that fact during our discussions this evening.

It is the view of my Department and that of Sport Ireland that the FAI has engaged appropriately with these allegations. From the newspaper article which the Deputy mentioned, it seems that no complaint was made to nor any evidence of inappropriate behaviour received by the FAI in 2023. Once it received a formal complaint in January 2024, the FAI acted swiftly and contacted An Garda Síochána and Tusla in accordance with mandatory reporting requirements and its own safeguarding and child welfare regulations

The allegations made by women involved in football in the 1990s were truly shocking and I commend the bravery of those who came forward to tell their stories. It is vital that allegations of this nature are 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 those stories to light.

Once it received a formal complaint, the Football Association of Ireland contacted An Garda Síochána about these cases, in accordance with mandatory reporting requirements and its own safeguarding and child welfare regulations. It has fully engaged and co-operated with the ongoing Garda investigation.

Following the revelations, the FAI introduced an anonymous reporting mechanism to allow players and others to flag concerns and report inappropriate behaviour to Raiseaconcern, an independent complaint=handling firm. I would urge anyone who experienced harm or abuse from Irish football or who wishes to report issues related to abuse or inappropriate or unlawful behaviours to contact this independent service to make a statement. In addition, the FAI’s safeguarding awareness campaign, Play It Right, was rolled out to clubs across the country, promoting good behaviour and a confidential independent helpline and website for anyone who wants to report a serious concern anonymously.

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 are taken seriously by any national governing body of sport 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 promotes the behaviour and conduct expected from our athletes, coaches, supporters, officials, club members and parents or guardians. All national governing bodies 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 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 national governing bodies' operations. 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 national governing bodies to remind them of their responsibilities and that their policies and procedures regarding player welfare must be up to date and fit for purpose.

We have made significant strides in promoting increased female participation in sport in recent years. The Irish sports monitor report for 2024 shows that female participation in sport increased to its highest level to date, at 47%. Last week, we announced the investment of €4 million under the women in sport programme for 2025.

The aforementioned 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 that there is simply no place for abuse of any kind against women in sport and there should be zero tolerance for any actions that endanger their welfare.

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