Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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550. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures taken to prevent and identify potential abuse on Ireland's athletic teams in view of recent events surrounding a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5936/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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At the outset it is important to highlight that the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, under the aegis of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, is the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children, and provides valuable guidelines in matters relating to child protection. 

Tusla has published Children First:National Guidance which places a responsibility on all people to protect children and, where appropriate, to report child protection or welfare concerns. The Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, sets out various statutory obligations including provisions regarding reporting concerns. 

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including safety and child protection standards.  Sport Ireland liaises closely with Tusla and the national governing bodies, NGBs, on child protection matters.  Indeed, all NGBs who receive funding from Sport Ireland are required to adopt the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport. Each national governing body is also required to appoint a national children’s officer to oversee implementation of the code within their sport. Sport Ireland acts in an advisory role in the promotion of best practice for young people in sport.

For further consideration, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply to you.  I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.