Safeguarding

Everyone, regardless of age or circumstance should participate in sport in a safe environment. Paralympics Ireland is an organisation focused on providing elite Irish athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete at Paralympic Games, World and European Championships. On occasion these athletes may be deemed children (under 18 years of age) or an adult as risk. Paralympics Ireland therefore has a responsibility to have safeguarding measures in place for these athletes.

Sport Ireland is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. Therefore, Paralympics Ireland takes lead from the Safeguarding Guidance for Children and Young People in Sport as produced by Sport Ireland and Sport NI, as well as being consistent with principles of the “Childrens First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. In addition, with being consistent with Safeguarding Ireland and HSE guidance and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse – National Policy and Procedures’ (2014).

Garda Vetting

The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 – 2016 provides a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. The Act provides a legislative basis for the mandatory vetting of such persons. The work conducted by Paralympics Ireland is listed as relevant as work as listed in Schedule 1 of the Act. Therefore, Paralympics Ireland ensures that any relevant person shall not be permitted to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation, unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person.

Related Policies

Paralympics Ireland have several processes and policies in place which underpin our safeguarding practice. Below is a list of our safeguarding policies. Simply click on the policy in question to download a PDF copy.

• Paralympics Ireland Safegaurding Policy
• Paralympics Ireland Child Safeguarding Statement
• Paralympics Ireland Recognising and Reporting Abuse of Vulnerable Adults and Adults at Risk Policy
• Paralympics Ireland Recognising and Reporting Child Abuse Policy
• Paralympics Ireland Garda Vetting Policy

Designated Liaison Person

Paralympics Ireland’s Designated Liason Person (DLP) is Tara Evans, who can be contacted if you have any concerns:

Email: tara@paralympics.ie

Tel: +35387 202 5507

The number for Tusla out of hours service is 0818 776 315

For further information about Tusla please visit their website.