Vol. 512 No. 3
288 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has studied the report presented to the European Commission on 15 November 1999 by the International Olympic Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25918/99]
My Department contacted the European Commission which has indicated that no such document has been presented to the Commission by the International Olympic Committee. However, I assume the Deputy is referring to the question of the establishment of the World Anti-Doping Agency – WADA – which has been the subject of discussions between the European Union member states, represented by the Finnish Presidency assisted by the Commission, and the International Olympic Committee.
Arising from these discussions, the World Anti-Doping Agency was formally established on 10 November 1999 and the Finnish Sports Minister, together with the Portuguese Minister – the next Presidency – represent the European Union on the board. Further detailed work on putting the agency on an operational footing will continue during the coming year involving also the Council of Europe and countries from throughout the rest of the world.
