Drugs in Sport: It appears the Irish Sports Council, through its Anti-Doping Programme, is winning the battle against drug cheats if today's results from a record year of testing in 2006 are anything to go by.
Closer inspection of the numbers reveals 1,049 tests were carried out across 37 sports in 2006 with just two positive findings returned from a kick-boxer and a jockey. This is the first time the Sports Council has conducted more than 1,000 tests since the Anti-Doping Programme was introduced in January 2000.
The increased volume of testing was undoubtedly linked to the Sports Council's decision to recruit and train its own Sample Collection Personnel last year after a recommendation from the Council of Europe Monitoring Group of the Anti-Doping Convention (IDTM).
"Taking the testing procedures in-house was a necessary development," explained John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council. "Obviously it is a big logistical task and we would like to thank IDTM for their considerable assistance in the smooth transition and their excellent contribution over the past seven years."
Of last year's 1,049 tests, 892 came under the National Programme and 157 under the User Pays System plus an additional 90 alcohol tests were conducted. Five organisations, including the IRFU, Six Nations Committee and the Turf Club opted for the User Pays Programme, while 63 per cent of tests were conducted out-of-competition, exceeding the 60 per cent target.
One other key action came with the conclusion to Gareth Turnbull's case, where the athlete was cleared of any anti-doping violation after "elevated levels of testosterone were detected". Turnbull appealed the initial findings before the Disciplinary Panel found he had no case to answer.
As a result of Turnbull's case the Sports Council confirmed they "will review the rules, in consultation with governing bodies of sport, regarding the costs for athletes who successfully resist an assertion of doping".
"Subject to the rules being changed the Council will allow Mr Turnbull his costs reasonably incurred during the case, on the basis of equity and natural justice," today's report added. The Belfast runner is now in line to receive £100,000 from the Sports Council to cover the cost of clearing his name.
On the whole the powers that be are satisfied with the work and progress made by the Anti-Doping Programme since its inception.
"We are very satisfied with the ongoing development and progress of the Anti-Doping Programme," said Brendan Buckley, chairman of the Anti-Doping Committee. "In 2006 this included the expansion of the educations programme, bringing testing in-house and meeting our international obligations."