Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
1368. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions his Department has had with Sport Ireland in 2017 regarding the adequacy of its resources for anti-doping in sport; and his plans to increase funding specifically for this purpose. [54635/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland is designated as the National Anti-Doping Organisation for Ireland. Clause 22.6 of the World Anti-Doping Code states that "Each government will respect the autonomy of a National Anti-Doping Organization in its country and not interfere in its operational decisions and activities”.
Notwithstanding that I, as Minister, have responsibility for the oversight of Sport Ireland and I fully respect the autonomy of Sport Ireland in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me or my Department to intervene in the operational decisions and activities of the Anti-Doping Unit of Sport Ireland, including the nature and manner of Sport Ireland’s spending in this area.
My Department receives regular updates on the activities of the Anti-Doping Unit as part of the formal liaison meetings between my Department and Sport Ireland.
In the event that Sport Ireland considers that additional investment is required for the anti-doping effort, it is open to Sport Ireland to make the case for such funding in the context of the annual budgeting process.
