Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on establishing a child protection unit in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31464/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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According to "Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children" (September 1999) the two agencies with statutory responsibility for child protection are the Health Service Executive (HSE) and An Garda Síochána. Notwithstanding this, I appreciate and share the Deputy's concerns with regard to this issue. I am assured by the Irish Sports Council, the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport, that it endeavours to ensure a strong child-centred approach within sports organisations.

I am informed by the Council that in 2005, in order to ensure that it was in line with relevant current legislation, publications, policies and practices, it reviewed its "Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland". This Code is built upon a number of core principles relating to the importance of childhood, the needs of the child, integrity and fair play, and relationships and safety in children's sport and is in line with the National Guidelines. It addresses issues relating to the roles and responsibilities of all involved in children's sport, and underpins the importance of policies and procedures in providing quality leadership for children in sport. It outlines principles of good practice and child protection policy and procedures. It is the view of the ISC that the full application of this Code of Ethics by everyone in sport will help to ensure the promotion of happy, healthy and successful experiences for children and their Sports Leaders.

In addition, the Council has informed me that it provides support and training to sporting clubs and bodies under its remit, to assist them in developing a safe and child-centred environment for sport. It is also assisting National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) in accessing Garda vetting and has worked with each NGB to help it develop its own code of best practice.