Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If we told people there was a medicine that could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 33%, they would take it. If we told people that there was a tonic that could reduce the risk of type 3 diabetes by 40%, they would absolutely take it. If we told people there was a tool that could reduce the risk of depression by 30%, they would absolutely take it. This medicine does exist. It is called physical activity. We need to incentivise it. Physical inactivity costs the State approximately €1.5 billion per year. Yesterday, we heard a presentation from the Irish Physical Activity Alliance calling for a tax relief for gym memberships and physical activity. I ask that we support this call. It would lead to healthier lifestyles and longer lives and would save the State a fortune. I ask the Taoiseach to support that call.

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