Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 7: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to recent suspensions handed down to Irish athletes by the Irish sport anti-doping disciplinary panel; his views on whether there is reason to be concerned at levels of doping among Irish athletes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34809/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's national anti-doping programme is administered by the Irish Sports Council, which is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. The programme, which was introduced in 1999, provides a high quality service which achieves its objectives of providing a fair and ethical sporting environment in Ireland through three primary approaches, namely, testing, education and research. The council carries out its anti-doping functions in accordance with strict, confidential procedures that are in line with the highest standards and in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency's code. In line with these stringent rules, I am not informed or consulted in any way in respect of any aspect of individual dope tests or their outcomes.

All top level athletes in Ireland are included in the testing pool. They are aware that they are liable for testing under the comprehensive Irish programme and are also aware of their responsibilities to their international federations. I am satisfied that there is a significant deterrent effect in operation and that athletes are aware fully of the dangers and risks involved in doping. The council, in operating a programme that aims to keep Irish sport entirely free from drugs, has, year by year, set itself challenging targets in order to be seen to be operating at top international standards.

I have been informed by the Irish Sports Council that the rate of adverse analytical findings in Ireland is in line with international norms. There were two suspensions in 2005 due to adverse analytical findings emanating from the Irish anti-doping programme. One was handed down by an international sports federation and the other by the Irish anti-doping disciplinary panel. The latter related to an overseas player playing in Ireland. The suspension handed down by the panel was for a period of two months. To date in 2006, the panel has handed down one suspension. This was for a "whereabouts" violation and the athlete was suspended for a period of three months.

I am satisfied that our country's anti-doping programme is one of the finest in the world. This is acknowledged by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which has used the Irish programme as a model for other countries to follow.

As Minister responsible for sport, I have continually and consistently supported the Irish Sport Council's work in combating doping in sport. While the moral argument on doping is not in doubt and the practice of doping is regularly exposed, there is a need for sustained vigilance. The council ensures that there is no complacency in Ireland by operating an excellent anti-doping programme, which is recognised internationally as an outstanding model of its type.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Has agreement been reached with the GAA, the IRFU and the FAI in respect of the anti-doping guidelines laid down by the Irish Sports Council? I agree with the Minister's assertion that the number of athletes who have committed doping offences is minute. However, we must continue to be vigilant. Have the various problems relating to the three national organisations to which I refer been resolved and are the sports administered by those organisations subject to anti-doping laws in the same way as other sports?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Despite earlier difficulties, I am satisfied that we have achieved a degree of co-operation in respect of our doping laws and rules from sporting organisations throughout the country. This is best evidenced by the number of tests that have taken place in the past year. In 2005, 962 tests, an increase of 44 on the figure for 2004, were carried out. These included 147 user-pay tests. Out-of-competition tests accounted for 59% of testing under the national programme. A total of 38 sports were subject to testing and 76 tests took place overseas. The number of tests is high by international standards. The number carried out in 2005 demonstrates the success and comprehensive nature of the programme.

The programme successfully identifies those who use prohibited substances and reassures us that the vast majority do not use them. I am satisfied that we are well on the way towards achieving the kind of policing that might ultimately eliminate drugs in sport in Ireland.