Contents. Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2007

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1 Contents Mission Statement and Vision Highlights 4 Chairperson s Statement 6 Chief Executive s Review 7 Participation 8 High Performance 6 Anti-Doping 9 Corporate Activity 23 Freedom of Information 27 Meetings of the Irish Sports Council 27 Council Staff 28 Financial Statements 29 Appendices A. Freedom of Information 45 B. National Governing Body Grants 45 C. High Performance Grants 47 D. International Carding Scheme Grants 48 E. Team Ireland Golf Trust Grants 54 F. Local Sports Partnership Grants 55 G. Sport for Young People Grants 56 H. Women in Sport Grants 57 I. Youth Field Sports Grants 58 J. Institute of Sport Grants 59 K. Dormant Account Grants 60 L. Growth in Grant Expenditure 1999 to M. Anti-Doping Tables 62

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3 3 Our Mission Statement To plan, lead and co-ordinate the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland. Our Vision The Council s vision is one where sport contributes to enhancing the quality of Irish life and: - Everyone is encouraged and valued in sport; - Young people see sport participation as an integral and enjoyable part of their busy lives; - Individuals can develop their sporting abilities and enhance their enjoyment, limited only by their talent and commitment; and - Irish sportsmen and women achieve consistent world-class performance, fairly.

4 Highlights In 2007, the Irish Sports Council s budget was million, an increase of 32% on the 2006 allocation. The Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism approved an increase in the staff establishment to 31, allowing for the recruitment of 6 new staff members and the reorganisation of the Council as set out in the latest strategy Building Sport for Life, million was invested directly into the national network of Local Sports Partnerships. By the end of 2007, 24 Sports Partnerships were operational with national coverage expected by early The Council received million in funding from Pobal under the Dormant Accounts scheme in order to fund sports for Disadvantaged Youth through the Local Sports Partnership network. - The Council launched a new strategy for recreational trail development for Ireland. A National Trails Office was established to coordinate the implementation of the strategy m was invested in programmes under the Women in Sport Initiative. 26 Governing Bodies and 20 Sports Partnerships operated specific projects to attract more women into sport. - Funding of 700,000 was allocated under the Go for Life Programme. 625 clubs and organisations will use the money to increase opportunities for their older members to actively participate in recreational sport. - With the revision in 2006 of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children s Sport the Council continued the programme of tutor training, local workshops and the provision of information and advice on the Code to clubs, governing bodies and related organisations. 80 tutors are involved in the training programme. - The Council began the phased rollout of Garda Vetting to National Governing Bodies commencing with the delivery of a 6 hour workshop to Club Children s Officers. By the end of 2007, 26 National Governing Bodies have been given access to Garda Vetting training. - Funding of 2 million was provided to the National Coaching Training Centre. The NCTC will evolve into Coaching Ireland with the specific remit of improving the coaching environment of Irish sport million was paid to 64 sports bodies (including 60 National Governing Bodies of sport) to allow them to carry out the core activities required to deliver quality sport in Ireland, including administration, coach education and hosting and participating at international events. - Of this, million was allocated to Special Olympics Ireland which included funding to support Team Ireland at the 2007 Summer Special Olympic Games in Shanghai. - The Irish Cricket Union received funding of 66,000 in 2006 and 72,122 in 2007 to support preparation for the Cricket World Cup in This enhanced support enabled the Irish team to prepare and train for the prestigious event in which they performed excellently and qualified for the final super-8 stages. - The Council provided considerable funding to the three major field sports in respect of their work to encourage greater underage participation. The allocation to the FAI increased to 4 million in 2007 to support in particular the organisation s work with those groups that have been traditionally less active in soccer. The allocation to the GAA in 2007 was 3.59 million broken down between the Grassroots to National Programme, Hurling Development and Dublin GAA. The allocation to the IRFU for 2007 was 3.75 million to continue to grow and develop the number of young people playing rugby. - Ireland s elite athletes and players received 2.28 million in grants under the Council s International Carding Scheme. - 2 athletes in 6 sports received bonus payments under the Performance Incentive Payments, designed to reward outstanding performance by Irish athletes supported by the International Carding Scheme.

5 million was paid to 19 sports bodies in grants under the High Performance Programme. These grants support the implementation of comprehensive and professionally delivered Performance Plans in selected Olympic and Paralympic Sports. - The Minister for Sport appointed the board of the Irish Institute of Sport. Three key appointments at director level were made in 2007 in the areas of medicine, science and athlete support services. - Team Ireland Golf Trust paid 259,000 in grants to support 26 professional golfers. The Trust provided funding to allow professional golfers represent Ireland at the both the men s and women s World Cup of Golf. -,135 tests were carried out under the Anti-Doping Programme. 60% of tests in the National Programme were out-of-competition. Included in the programme was the testing at the Under 19 Rugby World Championships in Belfast, the largest event ever covered by the Programme. - A number of significant publications were produced on foot of research involving the Council. These included Fair Play: Sport and Social Disadvantage in Ireland, Ballpark Figures: Key Research for Irish Sports Policy, Sport and Older People in Ireland and the CSO Release on Sport and Physical Exercise. - As part of the ongoing programme of cross border collaboration Sport Northern Ireland hosted the 4th All Island Sports Development Conference in Belfast. - The Council provided direct media support service to high performance squads competing at international championships. In 2007 these included the World Boxing Championships, the World University Games, the World Rowing Championships and the World Sailing Championships. - In 2007 the Council took complete control of the sample collection procedures with Sample Collection Personnel reporting directly to the Anti-Doping Unit and not to an external agency.

6 6 Chairperson s Statement In our strategic plan, Building Sport for Life the Council set out our two key objectives; improving the standards of elite sport and increasing the levels of participation in sport. The Council was clear that the successful implementation of Building Sport for Life was dependant on being given adequate resources. In this respect we were delighted that the Government decided to increase the Council s 2007 budget to million. Crucially it also approved an increase of six in the staff establishment giving a total of thirty one. This represents a healthy rate of growth from the first full year of existence, 2000, with a budget of 13.4 million and a staff of 18. These are welcome increases. We appreciate the Government s commitment to the long-term development of sport and I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Government for their continued support. We acknowledge the recognition given to sport in the Towards 2016 Social Partnership Agreement which states; The Government and the Social Partners recognise the important contribution which sport makes to the social and economic development of the country. The benefits can be assessed in terms of physical and mental well being of the population, social and cultural development, education, personal development and economic impact. The Council enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the late Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr. Seamus Brennan T.D. and the officials at his Department. It would also like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr John O Donoghue T.D., who served as Minister for Sport until the mid point of 2007 and who was a great supporter of the Council. The Council will continue to make the case for more resources for sport. In common with other statutory agencies we are aware of changing economic circumstances. However our research programme clearly demonstrates that investing in sport brings real benefits both economic and social for communities and individuals in Ireland. As this Report sets out, the increased funding has been passed on to those organisations well placed to make an impact in the two key strategic areas; high performance and participation. The diversity of the work of the Council reflects the community of sport in Ireland. We rely on strong partnerships throughout the sports sector. I want to acknowledge the contribution of Governing Bodies, Sports Partnerships and the many other agencies who work with us on behalf of sport. I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my colleagues on the Council who have given their time and considerable expertise so readily on behalf of Irish sport. I also wish to thank the executive and staff of the Council, whose commitment, dedication and considerable ability led to the achievement of the Council s goals in Ossie Kilkenny Chairperson

7 7 Chief Executive s Review This is the annual report of the Irish Sports Council for the year ending 31st December It is submitted to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism as required under Section 26 of the Irish Sports Council Act, The report outlines the major aspects of the Council s work implementing its strategic priorities in the second year of our current three-year Statement of Strategy, Building Sport for Life. Within the context of that strategy the Irish Sports Council will pursue two high level goals over the next three years. - The Council will focus its efforts on increasing the number of people participating in sport and physical activity. - The Council will work to ensure Ireland s performances in elite international sport improves. Building Sport for Life is underpinned by a series of business plans across all operational areas. They set out in detail the actions that will be taken to deliver the objectives of the long-term strategies. These plans, as well as other internal business initiatives, ensure that our organisation operates to the highest possible standards, reflecting our leadership position in the sports community. In order to achieve our strategic objectives we must build and maintain a strong, competent and well-resourced organisation. In 2007 our staff establishment increased to 31 and our budget increased to million. These resources will assist the Council in achieving its ambitious targets. I would like to thank the Minister for Sport, Mr. Seamus Brennan T.D. and his predecessor, Mr. John O Donoghue T.D., and the officials of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism for their ongoing support in ensuring that we have the resources required to meet our strategic objectives. This annual report shows the progress that has been made in sport in Ireland since the Council was established in The level of Exchequer funding has allowed for a radical transformation of the sector. In particular the infusion of professional sports administrators, augmenting the army of volunteers in Irish sport, is an important development. In particular I wish to pay tribute to the talent and commitment of the Council and executive. Their time and expertise is an invaluable resource for the Council. My thanks also go to all those organisations and individuals who have worked with the Council to further the development of sport in Ireland. On behalf of the Council I look forward to your continued cooperation and support. John Treacy Chief Executive

8 8 Participation Our Objective The Irish Sports Council aims to have more people more active in sport and by achieving that goal assist in the building of a healthier society. Over the course of the three year strategy we aim to increase the number of people participating in sport in partnership with governing bodies, sports partnerships and other relevant agencies. Our direct interventions which will contribute to that target are the following; Local Sports Partnerships Dormant Account Sport for Older People (Go for Life) Recreational Sport Programme Sport for Young People Programme The Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children s Sport Buntús Waymarked Ways / National Trails Office National Governing Bodies of Sport Youth Field Sports Women in Sport National Coaching and Training Centre / Coaching Ireland Local Sports Partnerships In 2007 the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) network expanded to 24, with the addition of Carlow, South County Dublin, Galway City, Limerick County and Wexford. Plans have been put in place for full national coverage in The LSPs are acknowledged in Building Sport for Life as central to the Council s strategic aim of increasing participation in sport. The LSP concept was proposed by the Irish Sports Council in 2000 as a means to co-ordinate and promote the development of sport at local level. The initiative that commenced in 2001 has been supported by the Government, Social Partners, local authorities, VECs, Health Service Executive, educational institutions and the various sports organisations. The purpose of the Sports Partnerships is to increase levels of local participation in sport and physical activity. They have a remit in terms of specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities. The Partnerships are charged with improved planning of sport at local level. The board of each Partnership acts as a forum of sport in each area. They identify the needs of each area and the resources being invested. They liaise with all groups, including the major sports bodies. They compile directories and databases of facilities, clubs, agencies, programmes and people involved in sport in each area. The Sports Partnerships are responsible for the local delivery of Irish Sports Council national participation programmes. These include the Buntús series of sports programmes for young people, Women in Sport, Go for Life, Active Leadership and the National Trails Strategy. In addition many Partnerships have initiated their own programmes specific to local needs. Finally they have an education role, for example in volunteer training and Code of Ethics. The Boards of Directors, reporting to the Irish Sports Council, comprise representatives of those agencies regarded as key influences in local sports development. Each Partnership employs a Local Sport Coordinator who acts as the Director of the Partnership, reporting to the board. Following the Fitzpatricks Review commissioned by the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism in 2005, it was recommended that all future partnerships would be substructures of the County Development Board. This recommendation has been accepted by the Council and the new LSPs established since 2006 have been set up under this structure. LSPs are generally established with the same boundaries as a local authority area with the support of the relevant agencies, e.g. Local Authorities, VECs, the HSE, and sports bodies. The Council directs the strategic and policy direction of the

9 9 Partnerships. However they allow the Partnerships a large degree of operational independence. This is based on the originating concept that local operators best understand the particular circumstances and need of each area. In 2007, the Council developed a new monitoring and evaluation system for the Local Sports Partnership network called SPEAK (Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Knowledge). This system allows each LSP to input a wide range of quantitative and qualitative data and will generate both local and national reports on all areas that the LSPs work in. The first report from the system will be produced in Local Sports Partnerships received funding of 4.26 million, details of which are available in the appendices to this report. Dormant Accounts The Council secured additional funding with the support and co-operation of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and Pobal. The grant scheme is administered by ISC on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and include the funding programme, Sports for Disadvantaged Youth. This programme, amounting to 1,823,473, is administered by the ISC and delivered through the Local Sports Partnership Year Established North Tipperary Sports Partnership 2001 Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership 2001 Roscommon Sports Partnership 2001 Clare Sports Partnership 2001 Donegal Sports Partnership 2001 Kildare Local Sports Partnership 2001 Laois Sports Partnership 2001 Fingal Sports Partnership 2001 County Cork Local Sports Partnership Limited 2002 Meath Local Sports Partnership 2002 Waterford Sports Partnership 2002 Limerick City Sports Partnership 2002 Kerry Local Sports Partnership 2004 Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership 2004 Mayo Sports Partnership 2004 Westmeath Sports Partnership 2004 Carlow Sports Partnership 2006 Offaly Local Sports Partnership 2006 Monaghan Sports Partnership 2006 County Limerick Local Sports Partnership 2007 South Tipperary Sports Partnership 2007 Galway City Sports Partnership 2007 Wexford Sports Partnership 2007 South Dublin Sports Partnership 2007 Local Sports Partnership Year Designated Cavan Sports Partnership 2007 Cork City Sports Partnership 2007 Dublin City Sports Partnership 2007 Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Sports Partnership 2007 Galway County Sports Partnership 2007 Leitrim Sports Partnership 2007 Longford Sports Partnership 2007 Louth Sports Partnership 2007 Wicklow Sports Partnership 2007

10 10 existing LSP structures and county councils where an LSP is not in place. Details of funding are available in the appendices to this report. The ISC have also been closely involved in the development and implementation of the Sports Inclusion Development Officer (SIDO) programme. This programme, funded through the Dormant Accounts strand with Pobal, employs Sports Inclusion Development Officers in 20 counties throughout Ireland, with funding of just over 2,500,000 for a two year period. The SIDO(s) are employed and supported by the LSP team. Their main function being to increase the participation of people with disabilities in sport/physical activity and to ensure that local resources are used efficiently to facilitate inclusion at local level. The ISC is providing support for the network to be coordinated by the Centre for Adapted Physical Activity, Cara. Sport for Older People (Go for Life) The Go for Life Programme aims to increase participation among older people in recreational sport activities. The Programme is administered by Age and Opportunity, and overseen by a Steering Group comprising representatives of the Irish Sports Council, Age and Opportunity, the Federation of Active Retirement Associations, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the National Council on Ageing and Older People. In 2007, the Irish Sports Council provided 700,000 under the Programme. 625 groups nationwide shared an allocation of 350,000 under phase seven of the Go for Life National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People. The national grant scheme is just one element of the Go for Life programme and complements the other main strands in the programme the Active Living programme and the Sports Participation programme. Recreational Sport Programme As in previous years, the Council supported the work of the Irish Heart Foundation through a grant of 40,000 to support the Sli na Slainte walking leader training programme and also the Lifestyle Challenge programme that they operate for workplaces. Additionally, the Council provided 20,000 to Recreational Angling Ireland to support its efforts to get more young people involved in this activity. Sport for Young People Programme Under this programme grants are distributed through Vocational Education Committees to promote sporting opportunities for young people particularly those in areas of social and economic disadvantage. In 2007, the grant scheme was open to the Vocational Educational Committees, which do not currently have Local Sports Partnerships in their areas. The scheme, in its final year, operated on the same lines as in previous years with funding available for clubs and organisations and special projects, focused on young people. The qualifying Vocational Education Committees received funding of 147,390 in 2007, details of which are available in the appendices to this report.

11 11 The Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children s Sport Since the publication of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children s Sport in November 2000 and revised in 2006, the Council concentrated on the delivery of tutor training and local workshops. The Council also provided information and advice on the Code to clubs, governing bodies and related organisations. The focus in 2007 was the phased rollout of Garda Vetting to National Governing Bodies and the delivery of a 6 hour workshop to Club Children s Officers. To date, 26 National Governing Bodies have been given access to Garda Vetting training. Child Protection in Sport training was rolled out through the Local Sports Partnerships network and additional sport specific workshops through National Children s Officers and tutors trained within the governing bodies. A panel of 80 tutors delivered the 4-hour introductory workshop, which provides information on codes of conduct, bullying, recruitment, etc. as well as child protection guidelines. Delivery began on the follow-up training, which is aimed specifically at Children s Officer to support them in their roll as children s officers within their clubs and was rolled out throughout Central to the implementation of the Code is the appointment of National Children s Officers (NCOs) within Governing Bodies. Throughout 2007 the Council continued to work with governing bodies to ensure these appointments. Once in place children s officers revised and implement sport specific policies for all members from national executive level to local clubs and affiliates. The Council also continued to work closely with other relevant agencies, including the Office of Minister for Children, Department of Education & Science and Department of Health & Children and Health Services Executive. Further information in relation to the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children s sport can be found at www. irishsportscouncil.ie Buntús Buntús Play and Multi-Sport have been developed to support the primary Physical Education curriculum. Supported by the Department of Education and Science, Buntús assists teachers in introducing young people to sport, with the aim of fostering a life-long relationship with sport. The programme is now in its sixth year of delivery through the Local Sports Partnership network. In 2007, the programme continued to be rolled out with over half the primary schools in Ireland now having received the programme. The Irish Sports Council continues to facilitate refresher visits to schools and cluster training of new teachers to ensure Buntús continues to be delivered at a high standard. The Council is also continuing to work with the Department of Education & Science to support the current rollout of the primary Physical Education in-service programme. In 2007 the FAI, Junior Golf Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Basketball Ireland and IRFU continued to deliver their Buntús Sports Specific programmes through the Local Sports Partnership network. Buntús Start Following a successful pilot in 2005, Buntús Start is being delivered throughout the Local Sports Partnership network in conjunction with the Health Service Executive and County Childcare committees. Buntús Start is a comprehensive physical activity programme for children aged 2-5 years old. It has been designed for use in pre-school settings so that pre-school and playgroup leaders can provide a wide range of learning opportunities for young children to develop their fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills, co-ordination and balancing skills and develop a positive attitude to physical activity.

12 12 Waymarked Ways/National Trails Office The Irish Sports Council launched a new strategy for recreational trail development for Ireland in January The Irish Trails Strategy is cross-sectoral initiative that aims to enhance the health, well-being and quality of life of all Irish residents and attract many more visitors from around the world by developing a world class recreational trail network throughout Ireland over the next ten years. Trails are used worldwide to encourage and promote a range of physical activities such as walking, cycling, running, horse riding and even canoeing and this strategy will significantly improve opportunities for Irish people and visitors to participate in responsible outdoor recreation throughout the country. The Irish Trails Strategy has been developed by the National Waymarked Way Advisory Committee, a sub committee of the Irish Sports Council that has been closely involved with the development of walking trails in Ireland for many years. The strategy, and the project plans which will flow from it, are intended to provide a policy and operational framework within which the many agencies and organisations involved with planning and development of recreation trails can work together more effectively. It will also ensure that all existing trails can be managed and enhanced and new trails can be planned and developed on a more strategic and sustainable basis. A new National Trails Advisory Committee (NTAC) and a National Trails Office (NTO) have been established by the Irish Sports Council to co-ordinate the implementation of the strategy. The NTO produced two booklets which was part of a promotional campaign in association with the Irish Examiner called Great Irish Walks Additional information can be found at Waymarked Ways National Governing Bodies of Sport The Council promotes increased opportunities for participation and performance by assisting National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to increase their capacity and delivery on their strategies. In 2007, million was allocated to 63 sports to fund key activities such as the administration of sports, coaching and education, strategic planning,

13 13 the employment of professional staff as well as specific programme funding. Some funding was also allocated to support attendance at international events and the hosting of international competitions to further assist the development of performance. At the beginning of 2007, 235 people were employed on a full time basis and 109 were employed part time by National Governing Bodies of sport. A full breakdown of funding is available in the appendices. The Council supported a number of international sports events that were hosted in Ireland in Some examples of these are: The Schools Cross Country International was held in March at Dublin City University The Northern European Artistic Gymnastics Championships were held in October at Dublin City University. Junior Euronations International in Archery was held in July at Gormanstown, Co. Meath. The Boxing European Union Championships were held in June at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin The Laser European Championships in Sailing were held in July in Dublin Bay. The Irish Wheelchair Association held the Athletics World Series in May at Santry Stadium. It is through the National Governing Bodies that key Council initiatives are delivered, including the High Performance Strategy, the Irish Sport Anti Doping Programme and the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children Sport. The Irish Sports Council works closely with these National Governing Bodies to ensure that funding is targeted to deliver on the goals of each organisation as set out in their strategic plans. The Council also supports National Governing Bodies by acting in an advisory capacity in areas such as governance, change management and procedural issues as well as compliance. National Governing Body Eligibility The Council has developed eligibility criteria for organisations wishing to become eligible for Council support as National Governing Bodies of Sport. These criteria establish minimum requirements that must be met in order to qualify for financial support. A sub committee of the Council sits at regular intervals to consider applications from National Governing Bodies. Governing Body Development Service During the year the Council worked closely with a small number of organisations to assist them in change management and a governance review process. The Council facilitated this through regular liaison meetings, regular updates from the National Governing Bodies together with advice and support from the Council. Adventure Training Framework A Review of Adventure Sports Training in Ireland was conducted in November Representatives of National Governing Bodies, the National Coaching & Training Centre (NCTC) and the Irish Sports Council developed the National Adventure Sports Training and Accreditation Framework. The development of this Framework aims to address the fact that a large element of the training activities of adventure NGBs remained outside the scope of the NCTC Programmes as well as the ISC Core Grant funding mechanism. This body of work will continue into 2008 with a steering group to be put in place to oversee the piloting of the Framework with a number of National Governing Bodies and the final draft of the Framework before adoption. Sport HQ Sport HQ was set up in 2003 by the Council to provide office accommodation in a business setting for National Governing Bodies for Sport. In addition to this, the facility provides extensive meeting facilities

14 14 as well as a number of shared services such as audiovisual presentation facilities, reception, printing and mailing services. There are currently 20 National Governing Bodies with permanent offices in Sport HQ and it is at full occupancy. The facility is used by many bodies to hold AGMs, meetings and seminars. The NGBs pay a licence fee to the Irish Sports Council to use these facilities. Youth Field Sports As in previous years, the Council provided considerable funding to the three major field sports in respect of their work to encourage greater underage participation. FAI The allocation to the FAI increased to 4m in 2007 to support in particular the organisation s work with those groups that have been traditionally less active in soccer. Key among the achievements of the FAI in 2007 has been their work with various special needs or interest groups in promoting the benefits of engaging in soccer. The FAI appointed the first full time Intercultural Co-ordinator of any National Governing Body to assist them to develop a comprehensive plan to engage with the growing non-national population within the country. Throughout 2007, the FAI engaged in a broad consultation process and has now launched an Intercultural Plan to support and provide opportunities to new entrants to the country to engage in soccer. The FAI also supported the training of the Special Olympics squads in preparation for the World Games in Shanghai in October They continue to roll out their futsal programme particularly in disadvantaged areas and they will be amending their Buntús programme to reflect this game which focuses on skill development and small sided games. They continue to roll out their successful soccer summer schools and also to qualify coaches at all levels from Kick Start 1 to UEFA Pro Licence. GAA The allocation to the GAA in 2007 was 3.59 broken down between the Grassroots to National Programme, Hurling Development and Dublin GAA. In 2007 the GAA focused on developing greater resources for their coaches and volunteers at local level and developed the innovative Fun Do coaching resource packs for both hurling and football. These interactive packs included DVD, DVD-ROMs and booklets that can be used to develop training plans that can be adapted for games to suit the various levels of underage players focusing on key skills. The initiative has won the Best E-Learning Product or Course category in the 6th annual Digital Media Awards. The GAA continue to roll out their very successful Cúl Camps through local GAA clubs and they anticipate that they will have over 80,000 children involved in the initiative in Within Dublin, the GAA are currently supporting the development of new clubs in growing communities such as Adamstown and Tyrellstown where there a large number of children coming from non- traditional GAA backgrounds. IRFU The allocation to the IRFU for 2007 was 3.7m to continue to grow and develop the number of young people playing rugby. The IRFU are continuing to roll out their Community Development programme throughout the country and are also increasing the number of training courses they offer for coaches and referees. The Tag Rugby programme for adults continues to be a great success and has been well supported across the country. In March 2007, the IRFU successfully hosted the U19 Rugby World Cup in Belfast, an event that was very well supported by local fans and which provided a great example to those interested in taking up and playing rugby. At the end of 2007, the IRFU received an allocation of 250,000 to support the development of their talent squad programme for those young players who have the potential to become elite players in the future.

15 15 Women in Sport Since the inception of the Women in Sport Programme in 2005, National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships have been invited to submit proposals for projects to increase the participation of women and attract new members to their respective sports. Based on these submissions, the Irish Sports Council allocated 2,303,820 to 26 organisations under the 2007 NGB Women in Sport Grant Scheme and 266,697 to projects submitted by 20 Local Sports Partnerships under the LSP Women in Sport Grant Scheme. This totalled 2,570,517 in grant funding to Women in Sport in This is an increased amount on the figure available in 2006 and a full breakdown is provided in the appendices. Some of the funded projects included: Football Association of Ireland: Employment of 6 Development staff and participation initiatives particularly in disadvantaged areas. Expansion of the Swim Ireland Learn to Swim Programme which was successfully piloted in Irish Squash: Expansion of the schools programme including mini-squash. Cumann Camogaiochta na ngael: Employment of Schools Officer and expansion of Third level project. Irish Gymnastics: Coach Education appointment to expand coaching resources and support new clubs. Sligo Sports Partnership submitted 10 projects focusing on successful projects run in 2006 including athletics, surfing, cycling, rowing and a soccer club for girls. New projects focusing on Gaelic club development for girls, gymnastics, seniors curling programme and community fitness. North Tipperary LSP was funded for their Run/Walk for Fun programme targeting Women from disadvantaged Communities in North Tipperary, linking with the Active Communities project. In 2007, the dedicated ISC website for the Women in Sport Initiative www. womeninsport.ie won the Eircom Golden Spider award for best Leisure and Sporting website. The website continues to feature real-life stories from the projects that are funded through the Council and also profiles other activities around the country that promote greater participation by women. National Coaching & Training Centre / Coaching Ireland The National Coaching & Training Centre, based at the University of Limerick, is responsible for the National Coaching Development Programme. It currently also provides a range of services to athletes/players on the International Carding Scheme. In 2007, the NCTC received 2m in funding to support its work on coach education and development and to increase their staffing levels in the Coach Education area in preparation for its new role as Coaching Ireland. The NCTC has begun its process of developing a new Coaching Strategy for Ireland in conjunction with the ISC and Sport Northern Ireland and with the National Governing Bodies of Sport. It is anticipated that this new strategy will be launched in 2008.

16 16 High Performance Our Objective The Council will work to ensure Ireland s performances in elite international sport improve and to create consistent success at elite level, defined as producing Irish athletes in the finals at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level. Over the course of the three year strategy we aim to measurably improve the performance of elite sports people in world-class sport. Improvements in elite sport will also be measured by performances at European and World championships as well as developmental and junior levels. Our direct interventions which will contribute to that target are the following; Irish Institute of Sport High Performance Funding / Performance Planning International Carding Scheme Performance Incentive Payments Olympic Council of Ireland & Paralympic Council of Ireland Team Ireland Golf Trust Irish Institute of Sport The Irish Institute of Sport was established to produce sporting champions for Ireland. Launched by An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D. on July 16, 2006 the Institute will achieve its goal by creating an environment which influences, supports, and ensures that talented Irish athletes will achieve sustained levels of excellence in elite sport. The Institute is led by Executive Chairman, Sean Kelly, former President of the G.A.A. The Institute supports the athletes, and their coaches, who will participate in the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and to build individualised and intensive programmes of support around these individuals, in order that they might fulfill their potential in Beijing. In the medium term the Institute will integrate with the development of a national sports campus at Abbotstown and with the national governing bodies of sport which occupy it, and to intensify the levels of support provided to potential Olympic and Paralympic athletes for the London 2012 Games. The strategic priorities of the Institute are based on the Proposals for the Establishment of an Irish Institute of Sport, the Report of the Institute Expert Advisory Group commissioned by the Irish Sports Council. Irish Institute of Sport: Board Members Mr. Sean Kelly Mr. Maurice Ahern Mr. Peter McLoone Mr. Rory McCabe Mr. Eamon Coughlan Mr. Keith Wood Ms. Sinead Jennings Ms. Siobhan Treacy Mr. Tom Reilly Dr. Aideen Henry Mr. Gary Owens Mr. Paddy Heffernan Mr. Stephen Martin Ms. Ann Ebbs Ms. Caroline Murphy Executive Chairman Irish Sports Council Irish Sports Council Circuit Court Judge Former Olympic Athlete Former International Rugby Player Former International Rower Chartered Physiotherapist Sports Scientist Sports Medicine Specialist Businessman, Chairman AAI Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism Olympic Council of Ireland Paralympic Council of Ireland National Sports Campus Development Authority

17 17 High Performance Strategy/Focus Sport Funding In keeping with its high performance strategy the Council has established long-term performance plans with targeted Olympic and Paralympic sports and continues to provide funding for the implementation of these plans. In 2007 this funding amounted to million to 19 sports organisations. The Performance Plans are prepared, implemented and monitored by the appointed performance director in each sport. The Director has a direct relationship with the Council and reports formally on a quarterly basis. The Plans include specific targets to be met by each athlete. They identify the milestone championships in each year. Targeted sports under the programme are athletics, boxing, equestrian sport, rowing, sailing, hockey, cycling, clay pigeon shooting, swimming, badminton, tennis, golf, canoeing and fencing. In 2007 there was a lot of focus on securing qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. This was achieved in athletics, boxing, cycling, Paralympics, rowing and sailing. CUSAI, Bobsleigh and Snowsport also receive targeted support, the Paralympic Council of Ireland is also fully integrated into the Programme. As a result of this funding selected Governing Bodies have appointed professional high performance support personnel, develop competition programmes, set programme targets, develop training camps, and provide specialist equipment and increased administrative support. The Council has put in place a strong monitoring framework against which implementation is assessed. Details of the funding provided under the Programme are available in the appendices to this report. International Carding Scheme The International Carding Scheme is the mechanism through which the Council provides direct support to Ireland s elite athletes and players. The Scheme s objective is to nurture and encourage emerging talent and enable a higher percentage of international class Irish athletes to become world class and to reach more European, World and Olympic finals. Working in consultation with the Governing Bodies the Council agrees criteria through which athletes and players qualify for the Scheme thus becoming carded. Under the scheme, individuals can qualify under the different categories of Contracted, World-Class, International, Developmental or Junior Squad member based on measured criteria of sporting performance over a period of time. This entitles them to a financial grant, the amount determined by the criteria, and to a full range of sports science and medicine supports provided by the National Coaching and Training Centre. In 2007, the Scheme paid 2.28 million to 300 athletes and 5 teams from 21 sports organisations. Support for these categories represents an important investment in the future of Irish sport. A full list of the athletes supported in 2007 is available in the appendices to this Report. There is an appeals mechanism in place. There were no appeals in Performance Incentive Payments The Irish Sports Council introduced the new bonus aspect to the International Carding Scheme, designed to recognise excellent performances particularly in a championship environment. Athletes in the developmental, international, world class and contracted categories receive a

18 18 bonus of 25% of their annual grant when they achieve an agreed target. For the elite athletes a medal at a championship event automatically qualifies them for the payment, with 12 athletes achieving this standard. A further 8 athletes in international and development categories exceeded stated targets and therefore were also recognised under the new Scheme. Olympic Council of Ireland and Paralympic Council of Ireland The Olympic and Paralympic Performance Committees were reconvened following the Athens Games with representatives from the Irish Sports Council and the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Paralympic Council of Ireland, as appropriate. The specific purpose of the two groups is to enhance communication between various agencies, a key recommendation of the Athens Review. Throughout 2007 the Committees continued to drive the implementation of the Athens Review recommendations and examine Olympic related matters in the run up to the Beijing Games. Regular meetings of the jointly chaired working groups were held, focusing on the Road to Beijing programmes. The Olympic Council of Ireland Grant in 2007 was 525,513 and for the Paralympic Council of Ireland the grant was 632,753. Team Ireland Golf Trust The Team Ireland Golf Trust, which is administered by the Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations. The Council and Fáilte Ireland provide financial backing along with private sector interests IAWS and the PGA European Tour was the eighth year of the Trust, which has provided more than 2 million financial support to golfers to date. 26 aspiring Irish golf tour professionals were paid 249,000. In addition from 2006 golfers supported by Team Ireland Golf Trust are able to avail of the Golfing Union of Ireland s National Coaching Academy at Carton House. The criteria for selection of the golfers in 2007 were their performance records in 2006, their coaching, training and competitive programme, their tour schedule in 2007, and financial requirements. Non-financial support is provided in the form of access to a range of sports science and medical services, which are co-ordinated through the National Coaching and Training Centre. In addition the Trust provided funding to support the Irish team of Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin s qualification and participation in the World Cup of Golf in Aruba. It also provided funding to support the first ever participation in the Women s World Cup of Golf, with Rebecca Coakley and Hazel Kavanagh representing Ireland in South Africa. A full list of the athletes supported in 2007 is available in the appendices to this report.

19 19 Anti-Doping Our Objective Since the establishment of the Irish Sports Council in July 1999 the Anti-Doping Unit has worked to ensure that the Council s objectives in relation to fair and ethical sporting practices are met. The Council has developed a unified and harmonised approach to antidoping across all sports in the country, Ireland has moved into a leading position in the International Anti-Doping Arena. The Council s fundamental objectives are based on the firm base of the Council of Europe s Anti-Doping Convention which was the first formal mechanism for international standardisation. This convention was formally ratified by the Irish government in At the same time the Government also signed the Copenhagen Declaration committing to the support of the World Anti- Doping Code. With the advent of the World Anti-Doping Code the Council introduced the Irish Anti-Doping Rules, to which all Irish NGBs are now signatories. These Rules were adopted in 2004 and are now the basis of all Anti-Doping matters in Ireland. The Anti-Doping Unit has given a commitment that it will report its annual activities by the end of the first quarter of the following year. In meeting that commitment the unit published an Annual Report for 2007 in March That report, which gives a detailed record of the unit s activities is available from the Irish Sports Council at Anti-Doping Committee The Irish Sports Council s Anti-Doping Committee is an advisory committee established under the Irish Sports Council Act of Each member provides analytical guidance and all have their own wide ranging areas of expertise to support the Anti-Doping Unit. The Anti-Doping Unit met on four occasions throughout 2007, March, June, September, and December. Numerous important subject matters were critically discussed with the key findings reported back to the Sports Council. The Anti-Doping Committee includes; Prof. Brendan Buckley (Chairperson) Consultant Physician, Cork Regional Hospital Dr. Geraldine Barniville ADO Irish Squash and World Squash Federation Dr. Joan Gilvarry Medical Director, Irish Medicines Board Dr. Patrick Guiry Chemist, UCD Dr. Anthony McCarthy Psychiatry, St Vincent s Hospital Dr. Bill Cuddihy Medical Officer to Athletics Association of Ireland Mr. Mel Christle Senior Council Ms. Noreen Roche Dietician, Member of Sports Nutrition Interest Group Mr. Neville Maxwell Former Irish Olympic Athlete Mr. Tony McCarthy Irish Sports Council Board Member Mr. John Treacy CEO Irish Sports Council Dr. Úna May (Secretariat) Programme Manager, Anti-Doping Unit Mr. Eammon McCartan CEO Sports Council Northern Ireland Mr. Ronnie Smyth (Observer on behalf of Eammon McCartan) Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel At the inception of the Programme in 1999, NGBs were responsible for appointing members to a Disciplinary Panel when an anti-doping violation occurred. However in 2004, as required by the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Rules the Irish Sports Council appointed an Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel who has the power to hear and determine the consequences of the Anti- Doping Rule violation. This Panel consists of three experts from each of a legal, medical and sports (administration/ former athlete) background. The Disciplinary Panel includes the following members: Mr. Paul Gallagher, Chair, Legal Mr. David Barniville, Legal Ms. Helen Kilroy, Legal Mr. Philip Browne, Sports Administrator Mr. Paddy Boyd, Sport Administrator Dr. Derek McGrath, Medical Mr. Jack Watson, Sport Administrator Dr. Martin G Walsh, Medical Dr. Pat O Neill, Medical

20 20 Irish Sport Anti-Doping Appeal Panel The World Anti-Doping Code stipulates that certain parties have the right to appeal the decision of the Irish Sport Anti- Doping Disciplinary Panel. Parties include the athlete who is subject to the decision being appealed, NGB concerned, the Irish Sports Council, relevant International Federation, any other Anti-Doping Organisation, International Olympic/Paralympic Committee where the decision may have an effect in relation to the Olympic/ Paralympic Games and WADA. This Panel consists of three experts from each of a legal, medical and sports administration/former athlete background. The Irish Sports Council appointed the following members to the Irish Sport Anti- Doping Appeal Panel: Judge Frank Murphy, Chairperson, Legal Prof. Denis Cusack, Medical Mr. Dermot Gleeson, Legal Ms. Debbie Massey, Sports Administrator Dr. Mick Molloy, Medical Mr. Bill O Hara, Sports Administrator Testing Programme The Council completed 1,135 tests in 2007, an increase of 86 tests from The total comprised of 886 tests under the National Programme and 249 tests under the User Pays Programme. Under the National Programme, 60% of tests carried out were out of competition which was in line with the intended target. In total thirty seven sports were tested under the National Programme. Testing was conducted at International events in Ireland including the Setanta Sports Trophy in hockey, the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships and Celtic Tri- Nations in swimming. The Council conducted User Pays testing for seven organisations in tests is the largest number of tests conducted under this programme since it started in This was due to the staging of the Under 19 Rugby World Championships in Belfast from April 4th to 21st. In association with the International Rugby Board (IRB) 168 tests were completed at this tournament 88 tests in competition and 80 tests out of competition. The Anti-Doping Unit was extremely pleased with the success of testing at this event as it was the largest sporting event where testing was conducted by the Irish Sports Council since its inception in Under the Anti-Doping Rules any Athlete in the Irish Sports Council Registered Testing Pool who is unavailable for Testing on three attempts during any period of eighteen consecutive months shall be considered to have committed an anti-doping rule violation. Six athletes in three sports received their first formal warning due to unavailability for testing. No athlete received a second formal warning for unavailability for testing. Sport No of First Warnings Athletics 4 0 Cycling 1 0 Rowing 1 0 Total 6 0 No of Second Warnings Under the Irish Anti-Doping Rules any Athlete in the Irish Sports Council Registered Testing Pool who fails to timely submit a required quarterly whereabouts report after receipt of two formal written warnings from the Irish Sports Council, in the preceding eighteen months, shall be considered to have committed an anti-doping rule violation. Twenty-four athletes received their first formal warning as they did not return their whereabouts details by the requested deadline. Five athletes received a second formal warning.

21 21 Sport No of First Warnings Athletics 6 1 Badminton 1 0 Boxing 1 0 Cycling 5 1 Equestrian 4 0 Rowing 1 1 Sailing 2 0 Swimming 1 0 Tennis 3 2 Total 24 5 Sample Collection Personnel No of Second Warnings 2007 saw a significant change in the management of the Testing Programme. It was the first year that the Council was wholly responsible for providing sample collection personnel. Twentyone new sample collection personnel were trained on June 9th -10th 2007 adding to the numbers already trained in At the end of 2007, the Council has 47 sample collection personnel fully trained with 4 more sample collection personnel still in training. The Anti-Doping Unit is grateful to Wendy Henderson and Alan Mc Murray who work as Tutor Doping Control Officers for their assistance to the Anti-Doping Unit in the practical training of new personnel on this course. The Annual Sample Collection Personnel training day took place on December 8th A revised Sample Collection Manual (standard operating procedures) was issued to all sample collection personnel. The Anti-Doping Unit had revised this manual in 2007 to ensure that it was more user -friendly. Overall the management of the testing programme was very successful. The Anti-Doping Unit would like to thank all of contracted sample collection personnel for their hard work and dedication to ensure a very effective and quality driven testing programme. The Council contracts IDTM, USADA and ANADO to test athletes on the programme who are living or training outside of Ireland. Nutrition & Peak Performance Conference The Sports Nutrition Interest Group of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute approached the Irish Sports Council with regard to holding a conference on nutrition issues relevant to the sports community. The initial connection was through the Irish Sport Anti- Doping Programme with the use of supplements an issue of mutual concern. On January 27th, 2007 the Nutrition & Peak Performance Conference was held in Croke Park Stadium in Dublin. The event was chaired by Shane O Donoghue from RTÉ Sport. Of particular relevance to Anti-Doping were two presentations Nutritional Supplements in Sport by Greg Cox, Senior Sports Dietician with the Australian Institute of Sport, and Nutritional supplements cross-contaminated and faked with prohormones, classic anabolic steroids and designer steroids by Dr Hans Geyer, German Sport University, Cologne. 450 delegates attended the conference. Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) The ADU implements the International Standard for TUEs, which provides for the support of athletes who need to be treated with a substance or method that is on the Prohibited List. Athletes can obtain a TUE from the Irish Sports Council or from their International Federation, in the case of International Level athletes, to protect themselves in the event of therapeutically necessary substances or methods being detected in the course of routine doping controls. The Council s TUE system is based on requirements of the International Standard for TUEs. As required in the Standard, the Irish Sports Council appointed a Sub-

22 22 Committee to consider requests for TUEs. This Sub-Committee consists of the following members: Prof. John Horgan, (Chairperson), Cardiology Dr. James Gibney, Endocrinology Dr. Stephen Lane, Respiratory Disease Dr. Philip Murphy, Haematology Prof. John O Byrne, Orthopaedics The role of the Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC) is to review requests for medical exemptions and determine if an athlete will receive an exemption for the prohibited substance or method. The criterion for the granting of a TUE follows the International Standards for TUEs.