The lack of legislation on drugs testing in sport was criticised by the Fine Gael spokesman on tourism, sport and recreation, Mr Bernard Allen.

He said it was ironic that allegations relating to one of Ireland's foremost sporting figures, Michelle de Bruin, had surfaced when the Dail was debating a Private Member's Bill to establish a national sports council with functions relating to drug testing.

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr McDaid, said he had finalised proposals for a national anti-doping programme and would bring forward legislation shortly.

The Bill was defeated.