| The Irish public through the Irish Sports Council, supports 148 elite athletes and 3 teams through the International Carding Scheme. Since inception over €30million has been invested to support athletes at Junior, Development, International, World Class and Podium level. In 2012, €2.5million will be invested in the scheme which is underpinned by a drugs-free philosophy. In addition, a range of science, medicine and lifestyle supports are also available to carded athletes through their governing bodies and the ISC technical arm, the Irish Institute of Sport. |  |