Safety at Sports Grounds

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2011

Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Questions (545)

John Lyons

Question:

564 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the safety standards within the adventure sports sector — specifically, outdoor adventure centres catering for water sports activities; if there are any statutory safety guidelines in place to which this sector must adhere; if providers are required to register with a statutory authority as providers of certain specified adventure sports and/or activities; and if he will introduce further regulation, such as a set of safety guidelines, to enhance the safety provision in this area. [29729/11]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The Adventure Activities Standards Authority Act, 2001 made provision for the establishment by the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources of an Adventure Activities Standards Authority. However, I am informed that this body was not subsequently put in place. I have now asked officials in my Department to examine the implications of the legislation and to consider what might now be the best approach to ensuring that safety standards are maintained in the adventure sports sector.