Gardai confirm they have been contacted about the alleged sexual abuse of a disabled youth by an athletics coach. A Garda spokeswoman said they were aware of the incident and were "in the very early stages of an investigation". The youth said the alleged incident occurred between 1990 and 1992 during training for the Barcelona Paralympics.
A spokesman for the Irish Wheelchair Association said the incident was reported by the youth, now in his early 20s, to another coach last month. This coach approached an administrator about the allegation, who immediately brought it to the attention of the head of the association's sport operation. "As soon as the allegation came to light, the person accused of the abuse was confronted. Within a short period gardai and the Eastern Health Board were called in. However, it shouldn't be assumed that the person involved is guilty."
He said the association had a comprehensive code of practice for dealing with such allegations, which incorporated guidelines issued by the Sports Council and special guidelines for those working with young disabled people.
The association was satisfied that its procedures worked well in the case, but "as a matter of course these would be reviewed in the aftermath of such an incident", the spokesman said. Counselling and support services would be available to the young man.
Members of the association's sports committee met senior management last night.
