Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the reported increase in the taking of steroids by young athletes, especially in inter-school competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34869/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised by the Irish Sports Council, the statutory body responsible for the operation of the National Anti-Doping Programme, that there are no indications that the taking of steroids by young athletes is an escalating problem in Ireland. However, it is an area of concern, which the Sports Council's Anti Doping Unit intends to address through its Educational and Research Programme.

Parents, teachers, coaches and athlete support personnel of young athletes must take responsibility for educating and supporting young athletes and avoid a 'win at all costs' attitude. All involved should promote positive attitudes and values in young athletes, and encourage a drug-free sporting environment.

The use of anabolic steroids in sport is prohibited. The use of these substances is very dangerous and has caused death or severe health problems for many athletes. Designer steroids, such as THG, may not have been tested on humans and therefore their side effects are unknown.

Currently, the Anti Doping Unit of the Irish Sports Council provides high quality relevant information on anti-doping in sport. A new education programme, similar to the UK Sport '100% Me' initiative, will be rolled out by the Sports Council to increase understanding of drug free sport at all levels of sport in Ireland, including competitors at school-level competition.

The Irish Sports Council has a reliable doping control process in place to deter and detect the use of prohibited substances and methods. While, at present, the focus of testing is at the elite level of participation, the Anti-Doping Unit works with the National Governing Bodies of Sport to identify the most appropriate level of testing of athletes. Athletes who compete at international level, be it in school competition or outside of school-specific competition, are also subject to testing by their sport's International Federation.