Swimming body votes on changes

The Irish Amateur Swimming Association (IASA) outlined Phase Two of its restructuring process yesterday when members voted on widespread changes in its constitution at an e.g.m. in Dublin.

A finalised "presentation pack" of the proposed new constitution will be presented to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation and the Irish Sports Council for approval later this week. Last night Dr McDaid said he awaits a comprehensive report on the full outcome of the e.g.m. before funding can be restored. He must be assured that the broad membership of the association is satisfied with the new arrangements for the safety of young swimmers and with the steps taken to implement them as a matter of urgency.

Phase One of the programme introduced the new measures based on the findings and recommendations of the Murphy inquiry into child sex abuse in the sport. It was initiated by Dr McDaid when the Olympic coach, Derry O'Rourke, was sentenced to 12 years in prison earlier this year for sexually abusing children he was coaching.

All funding to Irish swimming has been stopped until the IASA is restructured in line with the Murphy recommendations.

In the often-fraught meeting yesterday, child protection measures and complaints procedures were high on the agenda, with the association acknowledging that there continues to be confusion over discipline procedures.

During the debate the treasurer, Mr Wally Clarke, said the IASA had "little or no power over complaints made at branch level of the organisation".

The IASA said no resignations had yet taken place at the top end of the organisation.

In a statement read out at the meeting, a spokeswoman for the parents and victims group said: "Change that is simple and direct, that brings about child protection in the sport, accountability and resignation of the previous inept administration is needed. We need change which is not a PR exercise."