Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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753. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to research compiled by University College London which showed that the condition, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, existed in a number of retired footballers which increased the risk of the development of a form of dementia; his views on the opinion of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland that the findings will mean a new way is required to approach coaching on the way to head the ball safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am aware of the recently published research on this matter.

All aspects of football coaching are an operational matter for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) as the National Governing Body (NGB) for football. National Governing Bodies, including the FAI, are independent, autonomous bodies. I have no role in, or responsibility for, operational matters of NGBs.

While neither I nor Sport Ireland have a statutory role or remit with regard to monitoring or reviewing the safety standards in use by, or applicable to, NGBs, it is the expectation that NGBs would abide by existing legislation and have regard to guidance issued by relevant statutory agencies. The safety of all those involved in sport is of paramount importance, whether as participants, competitors, spectators, volunteers or workers.