Peter Chap Cleere

The first thing is making sure there's provision in the budget.

And then the next thing is how broad can we make the sporting memberships?

Because when I first heralded this idea, I was asked about things like Irish dancing and sports.

I read an article in The Independent today about Pilates.

So, you know, what defines sport chess?

So all that comes into play.

But for me, the first key thing is to get the funding in the budget.

And I raised this on the floor of the Dáil with the Taoiseach.

I've spoken with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers.

They are both very open to the idea, but obviously it has to be done in the context of the 2027 budget.

Yes, Lorraine Courtney's writing about this today in The Independent.

She's saying she gave up her Pilates because with everything else gone up, you just can't afford to have it.

And it feels like a luxury.

And there are people who would say, well, a Pilates class at 25 euro pop is a luxury.

What do you say?

Well, I think that as a government that we need to make exercise and sport affordable.

And the government, in my view, should be helping children and families and individuals to play and to participate in as many sports as possible.

And I suppose this tax relief would help achieve that.

And I suppose on top of that, there's an opportunity here now to put money back in the pockets of hardworking families and hardworking individuals.

while encouraging greater participation in sport.