Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, in a junior cup game held in Musgrave Park between my former school, St. Munchin's College, and Presentation Brothers College, PBC, Cork, three young rugby players suffered head injuries and concussion. This followed a game the previous involving St. Clement's College and Castletroy College in which two players were injured. I am glad to report that all the players concerned are doing well. The game between St. Munchin's College and PBC had to be discontinued. I hope, in the spirit of friendship, it will be replayed. I welcome that the PBC players were very concerned about the St. Munchin's College players and visited them in hospital in Cork.

I ask the Irish Rugby Football Union to consider making it compulsory for junior cup players, particularly forwards, to wear head gear. The GAA first introduced its rule making head gear compulsory in hurling for under age players, before extending it to senior players. At senior level, some of Ireland's top players have suffered multiple concussions. The issue needs to be addressed and I ask the IRFU and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to seriously consider making head gear compulsory at junior cup level for under age players. It may also need to be introduced at senior level. While head gear should be mandatory for forwards, it may also need to be considered for backs because rugby has changed and become a much more defensive game in which backs are required to tackle opponents and form a defensive line. We saw the way Brian O'Driscoll's game changed over the years, for example.

I am glad the three St. Munchin's College players are doing well. The incident in which they were involved has brought to light a serious issue. I call on the IRFU to consider making head gear compulsory for junior cup players. I also ask that the Minister consider the issue.