The cut-off date for Irish athletes seeking Olympic qualification was too soon, according to John Treacy. The chief executive of the Irish Sports Council defended the decision of the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) to accept only A standards, but was less convinced about the time allowed for athletes trying to qualify.

Such concerns about the qualification criteria for the Olympics were repeatedly raised during yesterday's discussion with the Oireachtas Committee. Treacy was clear in stating that high qualifying standards would have to be maintained but said it would be unfair to make them any stricter, and it would be unfair to insist athletes acquire A standards more than once.

"We supported the Olympic Council on the decision to only accept A standards," said Treacy, "and we think it was the right decision. But I think the issue there was in terms of timing, and the cut-off date. That was a matter for the Olympic Council of Ireland, but I believe myself that it was too soon.

"In fairness to the Olympic Council, it was extended by a couple of weeks, and allowed athletes such as Maria McCambridge to get in. And I still feel the best way for athletes to qualify for the Olympics is a year in advance.

"But I don't think we should be asking athletes to get the A standard a number of times. I think that's almost impossible these days, and that would certainly be raising the bar too high. So definitely the A standard is a good standard to have going forward."

The OCI's decision to set July 3rd as their original cut-off date for Olympic qualification was widely criticised by Irish athletes, including members of the team in Athens.

The official International Olympic Committee (IOC) deadline was August 9th, four days before the Olympics opened, and although the OCI extended their deadline until July 20th, the damage, it seems, had already been done, with some athletes burnt out by their quest to secure early qualification.

Yet Treacy also emphasised that the relationship between the Sports Council and the OCI had improved substantially since Sydney four years ago.

Improving that relationship was one of two main strands in the Sydney Review, he said, and the establishment of key relationships would ensure the excellent progress continued.

"The relationship between the OCI and the Sports Council has certainly gelled well," said Treacy, "and from that point of view the Athens Review will have a very different focus, and the key issues really will be getting the governing bodies going forward.

"But the situation with sporting bodies can be more political than politics itself. We are trying to put professionals into the sporting bodies to support the volunteer effort.

"I also agree with the suggestion about primary schools, that it all starts there. My vision is that every child in the country can have access to sport, where they can participate for their enjoyment. But there is a need for a more co-ordinated effort across the departments of sport, health and education."