Swim Ireland, the national governing body for swimming, said yesterday it has implemented all the recommendations of an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in swimming.
The Murphy Report, commissioned in 1998 after two swimming coaches were charged with serious allegations of sex abuse, urged the swimming community to put in place new structures which would provide greater protection for young swimmers
Sarah Keane, Swim Ireland's chief executive, told the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Tourism and Sport that these recommendations had been implemented over the last eight years and that a robust set of child welfare guidelines were in place throughout the organisation.
She said new reporting procedures relating to child protection that supersede the report have been adopted. An independent report into Swim Ireland also reflected the "substantial progress" it had made, she said. However, the body - which has over 12,000 members - is facing 15 proceedings in the High Court with three other defendants with respect to alleged child sexual abuse cases. All proceedings relate to former national coach Derry O'Rourke.
The main allegations against Swim Ireland's predecessor - the Irish Amateur Swimming Association - is that it failed to have in place policies and procedures that protected young children.
Continuing legal issues mean that up to 20 per cent of Swim Ireland's funding in recent years has been directed towards legal fees. Its budget for this year is €1.3 million. Ms Keane said these resource problems have impeded the development of swimming.
"The difficulties of our past have meant less monies have been available to be spent on the development of our sport over recent years," she said.
Ms Keane said Swim Ireland had completed an in-depth review and restructuring process. The committee expressed support for Swim Ireland's progress.
