Minister Ring Launches Irish Sports Council Anti-Doping Annual Review

The Irish Sports Council today published their Anti-Doping figures for 2014. Last year, the Council conducted 1054 tests including 279 blood tests. The increased emphasis on blood testing has further developed the intelligence led approach within the Anti- Doping Programme as blood testing figures increased by 31% in 2014.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Sport, Michael Ring T.D commented "For over 15 years, the Irish Sports Council has been entrusted by my Department to combat doping in Ireland and we are resolute that our fight against doping is constant, determined and ultimately successful. My commitment is underpinned by the fact that I have taken the opportunity in the Sport Ireland Bill, currently before the Seanad, to update the regulations on Anti-doping. We in Ireland are committed to inspiring fair play in sport and protecting the rights of clean athletes and I want to send a clear message out today that doping should not be tolerated at any level."

The Irish Anti-Doping Programme continues to make substantial progress in the areas of testing, education and research. The World Anti-Doping Code continues to be the cornerstone of the world-wide fight against doping in sport. In Ireland this code is reflected in, and consequently implemented through the Irish Anti-Doping Rules.

Dr. Brendan Buckley, Chairman of the Anti-Doping Committee said "We are proud that we are internationally recognised at the forefront of the fight against doping through our national Anti-Doping Programme. We continue to actively influence the development of WADA policy and the evolution of the World Anti-Doping Code. A major task in 2014 has been the preparation and completion of the new Irish Anti-Doping Rules, which were implemented from the 1st of January 2015"

The Intelligence programme is a vital part of the Anti-Doping programme and seeks to collect any information that will assist in the detection, deterrence, enforcement or prevention of an Anti Doping Rule Violation. A new Report Doping online submission form is now available through the Irish Sports Council website (www.irishsportscouncil.ie/report) which will help to provide a safe and secure way for members of the public to report matters relating to drugs in sport.

John Treacy CEO, Irish Sports Council said "2014 was another successful year for the Irish Sports Council with its Anti-Doping Programme continuing to build on the intelligence programme. This was highlighted by the close work conducted with UK Anti-Doping, Customs Revenue and the Health Product Regulatory Authority in preparation for the Giro d'Italia in June. The Council recognises that the success of the Anti-Doping Programme in Ireland is due to the continued co-operation and commitment we receive from NGBs and athletes. It is through their good will and promotion of anti-doping that reassures the Irish sporting community that Irish athletes compete fairly."

About the ISC Anti -Doping Programme
The Irish Sports Council's Anti Doping Programme is a fundamental part of the high performance programme to ensure that Irish athletes can compete clean on the world stage. The Irish Sports Council are dedicated to ensuring that future generations value the life lessons learned through the participation in sport in Ireland.

Testing Highlights for 2014
- National Testing Programme increased by 186 tests (an increase of 18%)
- Blood Testing figures increased by 31%
- In Competition tests accounted for 25% of National Testing Programme, Out of Competition tests accounted for 75% of National Testing Programme
- Whereabouts Mobile App was launched for all Registered Testing Pool (RTP) athletes
- In 2014, 35% of whereabouts submissions by athletes were provided through this website based app.
- Whereabouts Failures decreased by 80% (18 Whereabouts Failures in 2013 and 4 in 2014)
- Unsuccessful attempts on team sports decreased by 29%
- Unsuccessful attempts on the Registered Testing Pool increased by 12%