I thank the Cathaoirleach and members of the committee for providing me with this opportunity of introducing, for the approval of Dáil Éireann, Ireland's ratification of the Council of Europe's anti-doping convention. For Ireland, which enjoys an outstanding reputation in international sport, not just for its levels of performances across a wide range of disciplines, but also for its integrity, sportsmanship and sense of fair play both on and off the field, the formal ratification of this convention is very important. Ireland is one of only 40 or so countries in the world which can boast of its own national anti-doping programme. Ratification will add a further stamp of quality on what is already an outstanding and most effective programme, operated by the Irish Sports Council. Ratification will mean that Ireland will be able in future to participate as a full member of the Council of Europe's anti-doping committee, contribute actively to the ongoing formulation of policy, benefit from the results of research and new initiatives and be in a position to speak with confidence and authority on issues related to the global battle against doping in sport.
Members of the committee will be aware that the convention was originally opened for signature in November 1989 and Ireland signed it on 25 June 1992. However, as Ireland did not have its own national anti-doping programme in place, the terms of the convention could not be implemented until now. In May 1998, the Government approved proposals from my predecessor, Deputy McDaid as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, for the introduction of Ireland's first ever national sports anti-doping programme. A draft programme was launched in June 1998, indicating that the programme would be operated under the auspices of the Irish Sports Council once the council was established on a statutory basis.
The Irish Sports Council was established as a statutory body in July 1999 under the Irish Sports Council Act, 1999. This Act also enabled the council to implement the anti-doping programme. The programme was officially launched in November 1999. It is important here to emphasise that Ireland's programme is firmly based on the provisions of the Council of Europe convention. The three pillars on which the convention is based are also the foundations on which the Irish programme has been developed, introduced and implemented. These are testing programmes, education and research.
The Council of Europe has already expressed its satisfaction with the content, administration and operation of the Irish programme in all its three elements and has recommended that Ireland should now ratify the convention. I now ask the committee for its favourable consideration and support in obtaining Dáil approval so that Ireland can ratify this convention. I again express my thanks to the committee for its courtesy and attention in dealing with this subject which is so important in combating doping in sport and which will further enhance Ireland's standing and its contribution to this work in Europe and beyond. Go raibh míle maith agat arís, a Chathaoirligh.