The Federation of Irish Sport have called on the government to introduce an equivalent of the bike-to-work scheme for gym membership.
‘Tax-driven incentives for personal exercise’ were proposed ahead of the upcoming budget on October 1 ‘with a view to incentivising personal exercise amongst the wider population.’
The Federation of Irish Sport raised the proposal in an attempt to reduce ‘the ever-increasing issue of obesity in this country.’
It would involve a tax refund in relation to personal and recreational exercise for children and employees.
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The Federation of Irish Sport envisage that employers provide recreational/personal exercise membership on behalf of the employee to a maximum of €500 as a non-taxable benefit-in-kind.
They have also encouraged the implementation of measures to facilitate free or reduced fees to access gym for persons with disabilities.
In an extra propoal, they have also called on the successful bike to work scheme to extend to those who have retired so as to encourage cycling among that particular demographic.
The scheme could be used to purchase gym membership which could extend to group and individual classes. The gym as a means of exercise has become very popular in Ireland particularly in recent years.
The majority of gym memberships are available for around the €500 per year mark with certain outlets cheaper again.
Double Olympic Gold medallist Fintan McCarthy was among those present a the Federation of Irish Sport launched the Pre Budget Submission at The Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.
