Trevor Sargent
Question:31 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the Government policy on the testing of athletes for performance enhancing drugs. [11231/98]
Written Answers. - Drug Testing of Athletes.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:52 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has completed his consideration of the report of the anti-doping advisory committee of the Irish Sports Council; when he expects to be able to bring forward his planned measures to combat doping in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11240/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 52 together.
The Irish Sports Council anti-doping advisory committee was established in June 1997 to report on developing an Irish sports anti-doping policy and framework. The advisory committee finalised its report in December 1997. Following consideration of the various issues involved, I have now formulated specific proposals for the introduction of a national anti-doping programme and these proposals were circulated recently to other Government Departments for their views. I hope to be in a position to bring my proposals before Government very soon, with a view to announcing details of a programme shortly thereafter.