Mobile camera phones are being banned from gyms and leisure centres across Ireland following advice from Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management in Ireland.

Chief executive of ILAM Ireland, Killian Fisher, said the organisation had issued guidelines to its members recommending a ban on mobile phone photography, particularly where children may be the subjects.

The recommendation follows concerns over the new generation of digital cameras, which need no third party to develop or print images, are easily manipulated and can be transmitted on the internet within seconds.

Guidelines from the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) have been issued to members.

These include a notice in the reception area clearly stating that photography and the recording of images of any kind is only allowed with the written authorisation of the centre management and a general requirement on the person given approval to stop taking photographs if any customer complains or expresses concern.

The feedback so far indicates that the majority of members have implemented the ban.