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]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Sport 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.