Vol. 495 No. 5
53 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress, if any, made regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the report of Dr. Roderick Murphy SC into allegations of sexual abuse of young swimmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20438/98]
The vast bulk of the recommendations in the Murphy report relate to the Irish Amateur Swimming Association, IASA. The only one of specific relevance to my Department related to the issue of public funding for the association, recommending that increased funding be allocated through the Sports Council to the association for necessary reorganisation and training. I have indicated to the association that I will consider this matter as soon as they have completed consultation, now well under way, with their wider membership who, I believe, must be satisfied as to the adequacy of procedures and arrangements in place in their organisation to secure a safe environment for their younger members.
The IASA was given a copy of Dr. Murphy's report on 17 June for urgent and immediate consideration. The IASA initiated a round of consultations with members which have continued over the past few months. I understand that these will culminate in an extraordinary general meeting which the association has arranged for 1 November to discuss the IASA's formal response to the recommendations of the Murphy report.
Specific recommendations relating to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, mandatory reporting and prosecution policy were referred to the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform respectively for their consideration.
