Ireland Moves Closer to Complete Sunbed Ban as Health Minister Backs Expert Report
Ireland moves closer to sunbed ban as new report shows children still using carcinogenic devices despite existing restrictions.
A new report by the Institute of Public Health has strengthened calls for Ireland to ban commercial sunbeds entirely, with Public Health Minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD welcoming the findings that highlight continued unsafe use among children and young people despite existing restrictions.
The comprehensive report, which supports the Government's Programme for Government 2025 commitment to explore a commercial sunbed ban, provides compelling evidence that current regulations are failing to protect Irish people from what the World Health Organisation classifies as carcinogenic UV radiation.
Speaking ahead of her newly established Working Group's first meeting, Minister Murnane O'Connor said:
"This report reinforces what we already know: there is no safe level of sunbed use. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, and we must act decisively to protect our population, particularly our young people, from preventable harm."
The timing feels particularly relevant as Ireland's unpredictable weather patterns continue to drive some towards artificial tanning solutions. However, the report's findings paint a stark picture of the health risks involved, with evidence showing that despite legal restrictions, children and young people are still accessing sunbeds.
Minister Murnane O'Connor emphasised the urgency of the situation:
"The evidence is clear: sunbeds are still being used by children and young people, despite legal restrictions. This is deeply concerning. We must do everything within our power to protect people from its harms in order to save lives and reduce the burden of cancer on our health service."
The Institute of Public Health report, titled 'An overview of sunbed use in Ireland and policy options to reduce skin cancer risk', draws on extensive research and international best practices to support its recommendations. The European Commission has also classified UV radiation from sunbeds as carcinogenic, adding weight to the Irish findings.
The Minister praised the collaborative approach being taken by health authorities, commending both the IPH and the HSE's National Environmental Health Service for their work in advancing public health policy through research, enforcement and collaboration.
Minister Murnane O'Connor concluded:
"I commend the IPH for this important work. We now have a strong foundation to move forward with policy measures that prioritise the health and wellbeing of our communities, and I look forward to supporting the Working Group along with colleagues across Government and the health sector as we consider the next steps."
The report is now available for public consultation as the Working Group begins its deliberations on implementing what could become one of Europe's most comprehensive sunbed restrictions.
