Written answers

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Photo of Eoghan MurphyEoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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134. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has considered extending the principles of the cycle to work scheme to other activity areas, for example, gym membership, to promote healthier lifestyles among the general population. [6547/14]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Cycle To Work scheme  was introduced by  Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 and 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, however it was primarily intended to be an environmental measure. The scheme complements the Taxsaver commuter scheme and, by encouraging more employees to commute by bicycle, reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions.  

While all such schemes are kept under review by my Department I have no plans at present for an extension along the lines proposed by the Deputy.

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