President Michael D Higgins has warned that if issues uncovered at the Rio Olympics are not adequately addressed, ‘they have the potential to undermine public confidence in our athletes and in our sporting administration’.

The President made the comments during a reception event with this year’s Olympic athletes at Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon.

Around 20 of the Irish Rio 2016 athletes were at today’s event.

The Sports Minister Shane Ross, and the acting President of the Olympic Council of Ireland were also in attendance.

President Higgins also praised the tireless dedication and exceptional talents of all of the athletes who took part in the Rio games.

However, President said this year’s games have revealed some serious issues which need to be dealt with: “These Olympic games of course as we can see in the press have exposed some serious issues for us both here in Ireland and in the entire Olympic family.

“Issues in doping, questionable decision-making by referees and judges, it has been suggested in the games and the controversy surrounding the administration of our sport here in Ireland, all of this deserves serious analysis and fearless responses here at home and internationally.”