The Irish Parliament is inviting tenders for a fitness instructor contract worth an estimated €188,640 over four years.
Once employed, the instructor will run and manage the fitness room at the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.
According to the tender, the contract will be for an initial period of two years at a monthly rate of €3,390 (excluding taxes), with an option to extend for a further two years.
“Bidders should understand that this figure is only an estimate based on current and expected future usage,” it added.
According to the document, there are currently 160 members in the Irish House of Representatives but this is set to increase to 174 members, including the 60 members of the Irish Senate, after the next general election.
The fitness room was opened to Leinster House MPs and staff in 2005 “to provide a place of healthy recreation to offset the negative effects of a lifestyle resulting from long and irregular working hours in Parliament”, according to the tender document.
The fitness room is located on the basement floor of Kildare House on Kildare Street and is equipped with cardiovascular equipment, treadmills, cross-trainers, stationary bikes, rowing machines and strength training equipment.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 25th
These include leg and abdominal machines, free weights and benches, chest, back and multi-function rehabilitation machines. The gym has four plasma screens.
According to the company, the exercise machines were purchased new mid-last month and recently installed.
According to the tender, the facility’s “potential user population” is approximately 1,000 people.
Approximately 12 to 15 people can use it comfortably at any one time, and the average number of users per month is approximately 145.
The fitness room is open 18.5 hours per week for non-seated sessions and 27.5 hours per week for seated sessions.
According to the tender documents, peak times will be in the morning and lunch breaks, when the fitness room would normally operate at maximum capacity.
The appointed Fitness Instructor will be responsible for all aspects of the on-site management and running of the gym.
We also develop individual training programs to suit you, including group classes where possible.
The fitness instructor will assess the training needs of all users and conduct induction courses for new users of the fitness room.
Applicants must have a minimum of two years experience in providing fitness instructor services and hold a current, valid fitness teaching qualification.
According to the tender document, the Irish Parliamentary Services Authority has the exclusive right to unilaterally review and modify the facility’s opening hours.
If a service decides to shorten or extend its opening hours, the number of hours paid will also be reduced or increased, it adds.
The deadline for bidding is October 25th.
