344. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance to consider a personal tax relief for gym and swimming pool membership holders via the existing medical expense rebate structure administered by Revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34740/24]

As the Deputy will appreciate, proposals for the amendment of tax reliefs must be assessed in accordance with my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines. These make clear the importance that any policy proposal which involves tax expenditures should only occur in limited circumstances. In particular, they provide that a tax-based incentive should only be considered where it would be more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.

Furthermore, any decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances.

I have no plans, at present, for a relief along the lines suggested by the Deputy's question.

However, in relation to fitness-based measures more generally, I would point to the Cycle To Work scheme, introduced by Finance (No. 2) Act 2008. The scheme specifies that bicycles and associated safety equipment provided by employers to employees will be treated as a tax exempt benefit-in-kind subject to certain conditions being met. One of the benefits envisaged from the scheme was indeed that more people cycling to and from work would improve health and fitness levels.

In addition, Finance Act 2018 introduced the Accelerated Capital Allowances scheme for Childcare facilities and Fitness Centres. The scheme encourages employers to develop childcare facilities and fitness centres onsite for their employees. The scheme provides accelerated allowances for qualifying buildings or structures over a seven year period and accelerated allowances for related equipment at 100 per cent in year one.