They have proposed several ways for which tax could be refunded for gym memberships, including a voucher for people signing up for memberships.
The proposals have been pitched by Senator Malcolm Byrne and TD Christopher O’Sullivan to the Finance Minister Jack Chambers in recent weeks, it is understood.
The relief on a gym membership could be administered in several ways – through the Revenue Med1 form or through a special voucher, it is understood.
However, it’s believed the proposal still needs to be ironed out in terms of how it would be administered and may not be ready in time for next week’s Budget.
Instead, the proposal may be included in Fianna Fáil’s general election manifesto.
Financial costings estimate that introducing tax relief on gym membership at the 20pc rate, assuming a high uptake level, would cost around €53m a year.
“I think it makes complete sense and it has been done successfully in other countries,” said Mr O’Sullivan. “It’s been proven that physical exercise reduces stress and it increases health outcomes.”
“We are living longer and there is a need to ensure we remain healthier right through our lives,” said Mr Byrne.
Despite these health benefits, many individuals are deterred by the cost of gym and swimming pool memberships
“This will also represent a saving for the health service. Gyms are great to ensure we remain physically active. There has been strong support around the country for this proposal and I am hoping it could be signalled in the budget.
“Anything that we can do to incentivise and promote physical fitness will benefit people and will save the State millions.”
It is understood around 500,000 people in Ireland have gym memberships and the Government would need more time to come up with plans to administer the proposals.
Ireland Active, the leisure, health and fitness association, has previously pushed for tax relief for people with gym memberships.
“We are calling for the Government to allow personal tax relief for gym and swimming pool memberships through the existing medical expense rebate structure administered by Revenue,” the association wrote on its website.
“This targeted measure aims to incentivise more people to engage in regular physical exercise, thereby improving public health outcomes.”
Ireland Active said it commissioned a Red C survey that found 28pc of adults indicated they would likely take up gym or swimming pool memberships if tax relief were available.
It said around 851,000 adults across the country who currently don’t exercise in gyms or swimming pools could benefit from the initiative.
“The many benefits of regular physical activity is universally agreed and research studies all show that exercise helps prevent chronic diseases, boosts mental health and improves overall quality of life,” the group said.
“Despite these benefits, many individuals are deterred by the cost of gym and swimming pool memberships. Introducing a tax relief could make these facilities more accessible, encouraging more people to adopt healthier lifestyles.”
