The sporting body Swim Ireland has welcomed the settlement of 13 cases taken against it by women who were sexually abused as children by the former swimming coach Derry O'Rourke.
The 10-year battle for compensation by the women was settled in the High Court today. Their separate cases were settled for substantial damages against Swim Ireland and a private Dublin school which employed O'Rourke as a swimming coach.
Swim Ireland
Under the settlement, against King's Hospital School, Palmerstown, Co Dublin and Swim Ireland, 12 of O'Rourke's victims will each get six-figure sums in compensation, and costs against King's Hospital school, while the remaining victim will get a lesser sum.
"Swim Ireland warmly welcomes the resolution of these cases and reiterates its condemnation and horror at the gross and indecent acts perpetrated by Derry O'Rourke against these women," the body said in a statement.
"All these victims suffered significant individual trauma and personal injury. We hope today's outcome will help them to finally close the chapter on these painful events from their past lives."
The organisation said it had, over the past decade, put in place "significant new structures, procedures and safeguards" to ensure that all aquatic activities within its remit can operate in a safe and healthy environment.
"Dealing with the fact that child sexual abuse occurred in swimming has been difficult for everyone involved in swimming and Swim Ireland has worked very hard to ensure that all children who participate in aquatic sports can do so safely in the future.
"We would like to recognise the role of the many volunteers and parents who have maintained a steadfast commitment to the organisation and to the promotion of swimming in Ireland throughout this period."