Irish Sports Council Publishes 2011 Anti Doping Report
In 2011 the Irish Sports Council conducted 1,055 tests across 37 sports. 802 urine tests and 65 blood tests were completed under the National Programme and 181 urine tests and 7 blood tests were conducted under the User Pays Programme.
The testing programme resulted in five rule violations which resulted in sanctions, each one publicly announced as required by the Irish Anti-Doping Rules. These included some high profile cases for the use of EPO, steroids and testing positive as a result of using supplements.
The Minister for Sport Michael Ring TD,at the publication of the 2011 Anti-Doping Annual report said;"It is clear that we must remain vigilant against the use of performance enhancing substances in sport. The reputation of sport and our athletes is at stake and it is essential that the Irish Sports Council continues its outstanding work in this area".
65 blood tests were carried out across 8 sports in 2011. 62 of these tests carried out-of-competition. This is essential is the development of the biological profiling of athletes which, in turn, is the essential tool in combating doping in the medium term.
Of the 802 urine tests conducted under the National Programme, 460 (57%) tests were No- Advance Notice Out-of-competition tests and 342 (42%) tests were completed In Competition. 54out-of-competition tests were completed overseas by the Council's contracted service providers.
The official publication of the 2011 Report took place at an education event for National Governing Bodies of sport. Among the speakers the event was the Chief Executive of WADA Mr David Howman. He confirmed that, during the Presidency of the EU in 2013, Ireland would represent Europe on WADA's executive board.
Professor Brendan Buckley, Chairman of the Anti-Doping Committee said: "We have always stressed that the fight against doping is an international effort. The relationship with WADA is vital nationally and internationally. Ireland has strong voiceinternationally based on the excellent reputation of the Anti-Doping Unit built up over many years of outstanding work in this area, 2011 was another good year for the programme".
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, commented:"In an Olympic & Paralympic year the work of the Anti-Doping Programme comes into greater focus. Having a world class programme in place allows the Irish public have complete faith in the integrity of the athletes who will represent us in London 2012".
Highlights of 2011
- WADA issued its first Code compliance report and the Irish Sport Council was deemed to be compliant.
- 1,055 tests carried out in 37 sports producing 5 rule violations that resulted in sanctions
- Continuation of out-of-competition blood testing in a number of sports and of biological profiling of athletes
- There is ongoing review of the Registered Testing Pool to ensure that it is more streamlined and focussed on high risk sports/athletes (131 on the RTP in December 2011)..
- 124 TUE applications were processed in 2011
- Kenneth Egan was appointed as an Observer to WADA's Athlete Committee following nomination by the Irish Sports Council.
- 2 individual athletes had accumulated 2 filing failures on their Whereabouts forms
- There were 17 unsuccessful attempts of team sports based on incorrect whereabouts information
- 37,500 educational resources were distributed by the Anti-Doping Unit in 2011
- New dedicated website delivered substantial increase on traffic
- A new mobile unit was purchased and is now in service