One TD has said “the political system needs to cop op” following the news that a personal trainer for TDs and Senators will be hired at a cost €56,000.

A fitness instructor has been hired for Leinster House, with their services available to TDs, Senators and staff members at Leinster House, and Independent TD Finian McGrath has said he is “absolutely outraged” by the decision.

The cost is spread over two years, with the contract possibly being extended for a further year.

“If you want to get fit, you’re a TD, a senator, you know what to do,” Mr McGrath said.

“The political system needs to cop on,” he said.

McGrath told Newstalk Lunchtime that the money was badly needed in other areas, including several within his own constituency that were in need of additional funding.

“We need to cop on a bit and focus and spend money on sensible things.

“There are people out there hurting and wasting money like this should never be an option”