Vol. 504 No. 3
7 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if the review of the code of ethics of good practice in sport has been completed; if so, when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11772/99]
Following the publication of the report of the independent inquiry into matters relating to child sexual abuse in swimming, I requested Dr. Breda McLeavey, chairperson of the expert committee which drew up the code of ethics and good practice for children's sport in Ireland, to reconvene the committee to review the code's contents in light of Dr. Murphy's report. The committee has carried out a considerable amount of work and is currently awaiting the preparation of new guidelines by the Department of Health and Children on handling child sex abuse cases before completing its review. I will be making arrangements for publication as soon as the revised code is available, based on the committee's recommendations.
Are substantial changes envisaged in the code of ethics and good practice? At what stage are the guidelines which are being prepared by the Department of Health and Children? These guidelines appear to be delaying the publi cation of the new code of ethics and good practice. What substantial new measures will be included in the new code which will impact to the benefit, protection and security of children taking part in sport?
I cannot give the exact changes but the Deputy will be aware that Dr. McLeavey is very experienced. We learnt a lot from what happened in swimming. There will be changes and there is an interim report. I am not blaming the Department of Health and Children for the fact that we are unable to publish the report. It is important to get this right. The Department is meeting on 11 June 1999 and expects to present its final draft report shortly afterwards. That will then be passed to Dr. McLeavey and will be incorporated. It is not that they are delaying it but it is important that this aspect is correct.
Does the Minister intend to publish the interim report? If he does, will he be open to further contributions from sporting organisations who may wish to give their views?
I cannot say whether the interim report will be published. However, I will certainly be open to the contributions of national governing bodies or other bodies.
How many are in the review group and how many times has it met in plenary session since it was recalled after the unfortunate swimming problem?
The review group comprises the same people as that set up by the Deputy, which I have praised. I do not have their names at the moment. It proposed an excellent code of ethics which had to be reviewed in the light of events. I am sure the Deputy will agree it should have been reviewed.
