Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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1266. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a code of conduct or guidelines in place in Ireland for when a player sustains a head injury during a soccer, GAA or rugby match or in other contact sports; his views on whether this is an area that needs to be highlighted further to ensure the safety of our players; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13659/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I fully recognise the seriousness of concussion and head injuries in sport and the importance of ensuring the safety of players. Having attended the first ever Brain Injury and Sport European Conference, hosted by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, in the Aviva Stadium last December, I am aware of the growing concerns around concussion and head injury in sport.  I am also aware that, along with the sporting bodies, organisations such as Acquired Brain Injury Ireland are working to raise awareness and education about concussion and head injuries in sport to players, coaches and others involved in sport at every level.

I am pleased to say that the FAI, GAA and IRFU all have concussion and head injury guidelines in place for their sports which stress the importance of ensuring the health and well-being of the players.

I have asked the Irish Sports Council to reply directly to the Deputy with further information on the guidelines in place by the sporting bodies. The Irish Sports Council is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport.  I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.