The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) Athletes’ Commission has opened discussions with Government officials on possible tax reforms aimed at easing the financial burden on Ireland’s high-performance athletes.
The meeting with senior officials from the Department of Finance and members of An Tánaiste’s policy team took place on Thursday and focused on how Ireland’s tax system could better reflect the realities of elite sport.
Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn and senior policy advisers attended the talks, which the commission described as an important first step towards examining targeted measures to support athletes competing internationally.
The commission said many Irish Olympians and Paralympians continue to fund significant parts of their careers themselves despite existing State support schemes.
Training, travel, coaching, relocation and qualification campaigns can cost tens of thousands of euro annually, with athletes and their families often carrying much of the financial burden.
For athletes in equipment-intensive sports such as sailing and rowing, the costs can be especially acute. International campaigns often require specialist boats, transport logistics, overseas training camps and year-round competition schedules that can stretch well beyond existing funding supports.
Current Sport Ireland carding grants range from €18,000 to €40,000 and are fully taxable.
The Athletes’ Commission proposed changes to existing tax measures rather than the creation of new schemes. Suggestions included aligning athlete carding payments with the Artists’ Exemption model and updating the existing Sportspersons Tax Relief system.
Billy Dardis, Vice-Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, said the engagement had been constructive.
“Today’s meeting was a really positive start,” he said.
“Our athletes give so much of themselves in pursuit of representing Ireland, and the system must evolve to recognise that commitment.”
He added that the commission looked forward to continuing discussions with Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport.
Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn said athletes deserved greater practical support while preparing for Olympic and Paralympic competition.
“Our athletes move from the back pages to the front pages of the newspapers when they win, but they toil every day in the pursuit of excellence,” she said.
“They must be supported in a substantive way as they work towards major championships and Olympic or Paralympic qualification.”
The Athletes’ Commission said the next phase of discussions would involve further engagement with the Department of Sport and Sport Ireland to refine the proposals.
