Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)

I would like to speak on an issue that may sound dramatic but is an issue of life and death at the moment, that is, the urgent need to introduce mandatory cardiac screening for all competitive sports players between the ages of 12 and 18. Too often we only act after tragedy strikes. However, now we have a chance to act before it does. Heart conditions are among the leading causes of sudden death among young athletes. Many of these conditions remain undiagnosed due to their silent nature. There are no symptoms or warnings yet the consequences can be devastating.Studies show that early detection through cardiac screening, particularly electrocardiogram, ECG, testing, can significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac events by identifying underlying conditions before they become fatal.

Across the world we see compelling evidence for preventative action. Italy's mandatory screening programme introduced in the 1980s has resulted in an 89% reduction in sudden cardiac deaths among young athletes. This is a clear demonstration that proactive measures save lives. In contrast, Ireland lacks a nationwide cardiac screening policy. While voluntary screenings are available, the reach remains limited and many young athletes remain vulnerable simply because they never had the opportunity to be tested.

In Ireland, about 100 young people die every year from sudden adult death syndrome, SADS. Many of them are involved in sports and these young lives are cut short by inherited or undiagnosed heart conditions, silent invisible threats that often show no symptoms until it is too late. We cannot allow a screening programme to depend on tragedy for action. We need to prevent these incidents, not just respond to them.

Sports organisations and charities have stepped up where policy has lagged behind. The Dillon Quirke Foundation, established after Dillon's sudden death during a hurling match in 2022, has already screened more than 10,000 young people, identifying 243 who required further cardiac evaluation. These screenings have undoubtedly saved lives, but no family should have to rely on charity alone for protection. If we require gumshields and helmets to safeguard our children from physical impact, why do we not check the organ most vulnerable under pressure, their hearts? The cost of inaction is measured in lost lives, grief-stricken families and communities devastated by preventable tragedies.

I am calling on the Minister for Health, the Minister for sport and indeed the Government to introduce immediate legislation which would make cardiac screening, including ECGs, mandatory for all competitive sports participants between the ages of 12 and 18. This must be a nationwide State-supported programme developed in a partnership with schools, sports bodies and medical professionals.

Furthermore, we must ensure this programme is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. It should not be a privilege but must be a right. Screening should be integrated into routine health checks for young athletes, creating a culture of prevention rather than reaction. We owe it to the families who have lost loved ones and to those who could be spared the heartbreak to act now before another young life is lost.

I could go through personal tragedies which families have endured in recent weeks in my own area and even in the Munster area, where young teenagers have passed suddenly. One coach was on to me recently to say they had done a public test in a training dressing room where they asked 30 players how many were using inhalers. Two put up their hands but when they did a private survey on that team, seven were using inhalers to enhance their performance. We are living in a competitive sporting environment right now and, if anything, this cardiac screening must be introduced.