Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the Irish Sports Council's anti-doping report 2005; his views on the fact that, despite the fact that no Irish sportsperson tested positive for a banned substance in 2005, the battle against doping in sport must be intensified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15147/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I recently launched the 2005 annual report of the anti-doping unit of the Irish Sports Council, ISC. The Government has consistently supported the ISC's work in combating doping in sport. While the moral argument against doping is not in doubt and the practice of doping is regularly exposed, there is a need for sustained vigilance. The ISC ensures that there is no complacency in Ireland by operating an excellent anti-doping programme, recognised internationally as an outstanding model of its type.

A co-ordinated international effort is required, based on effective national programmes to counteract doping in sport. Ireland is to the forefront in the drive for greater international co-operation in the fight against doping through its support for the Copenhagen Declaration on Anti-Doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency, the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention and the proposed new Global Anti-Doping Convention under the aegis of UNESCO.

In supporting sport the Government insists that it must be based on fair and ethical principles. The ISC has put in place a comprehensive and effective anti-doping programme, one that the Government is happy to endorse, support and fund. The year 2005 was the first full year of operation for this programme. A total of 962 tests were carried out in 2005, including 147 user pays tests. Out of competition tests accounted for 55% of testing under the national programme, 38 sports were subject to testing, with 76 tests overseas. The number of tests is high by international standards and the number carried out in 2005 demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the programme. The programme identifies those who use prohibited substances and reassures us about the vast majority who do not.

The testing programme threw up two samples which tested positive in two different sports — squash and rugby. Both cases were for cannabinoids and I understand that appropriate sanctions were imposed in each case.

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, as well as 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.