STATEMENT:SWIMMING'S GOVERNING body Swim Ireland said yesterday that the events at the centre of the Ger Doyle case took place before resources had been put in place to improve child-protection procedures in the sport.
In a statement, chairman of the board of Swim Ireland Phillip Fitzpatrick said the board and executive “note the court decision in respect of child abuse offences against minors in New Ross”.
“Swimming is a safe and healthy sport that is enjoyed by many – young and old – on a daily basis.
“The actions of the individual that led to the New Ross case are utterly unacceptable in any context.
“There can be no hiding place for offences of this type, and we hope that today’s outcome will give some closure and respite to those impacted.
The statement continued: “As the responsible body for swim teaching and training, as well as the administration of all aquatic sports in Ireland, Swim Ireland is acutely conscious of its responsibilities to its members, children and adults.
“In recent years, following serious concerns about the effectiveness of child-welfare issues in the past, Swim Ireland has established strong procedures, measures and governance to ensure that its sport protects the well-being of all who participate.
“It has a full-time national children’s officer on its professional staff who is leading the drive to ensure that those working with young people are properly selected and trained, are aware of their responsibilities and live them out on a daily basis.
“As a result, Swim Ireland is now at the point where it is acknowledged among its peers as one of the most advanced and progressive sport governing bodies in child welfare.
“Today’s decision addresses events that took place before those resources were in place but remind us very clearly of the huge responsibility that is and will remain a priority of everybody in swimming.
“Throughout the organisation Swim Ireland is fully committed to maintaining the level it has now reached, and to continually improving its work in conjunction with the other organisations and Government bodies as appropriate.”