The Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, today launched the new Irish Anti-Doping Rules as Ireland continues to play its role in the global fight against drugs in sport.
The new set of rules fall in line with the World Anti-Doping Code after O'Donoghue signed the Copenhagen Declaration in April last year. By doing so, Ireland recognises the World Anti-Doping Agency and its codes.
As a result Ireland were then able to draft their own set of Anti-Doping rules in conjunction with the universal stipulation as set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency, The Irish rules will take effect from June 1st, 2004 as Ireland, like other competing countries, have to have their Rules in place before the Olympic Games in Athens later this year.
"The new Irish Rules will be in place from June 1st, placing Ireland at the forefront of the global fight against doping in sport. I am totally committed to the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Programme which plays an essential role in maintaining Ireland's proud tradition of fair play in sport," said O'Donoghue.
Last year the Irish Sports Council carried out 957 tests, 103 of which were overseas, across 36 sports with 183 of those user pays tests. Additionally, 48 alcohol tests carried out and 60 per cent of all the tests were completed 'Out of Competition'.
In 2003 six tests were found positive across five sports with sanctions imposed in three, while a further three cases are still being processed. There were six positive findings in 2002, four in 2001 and 12 in 2000.
John Treacy, Chief Executive, Irish Sports Council, commented; "The findings for 2003 were in line with international experience. We have worked hard, in close cooperation with the national governing bodies of sport, to put in place a credible and visible anti-doping programme that acts as a significant deterrent to those who may be tempted to take prohibited substances."
Over the last year all sports have been brought up to speed ahead of the new set of Anti-Doping Rules being published.
David Howman, Director General of WADA praised the Irish rules as a model for other countries to follow. Furthermore, Dr Conor O'Brien, Chairman of the Anti-Doping Committee stated:
"The new Rules are another significant advance in meeting the challenges presented by doping in sport. We are committed to sport as a healthy and ethical activity for all participants. Anti-doping is essential to that ideal."