I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Seán Kelly on his tragic death following the use of a fast tanning unit. I trust that the debate and discussion that has followed this tragedy will lead to the public being much more informed about the dangers of sunbeds and help save lives. I ask the Minister, having investigated this case, to immediately introduce appropriate legislation to regulate the use of sun beds. In particular I urge him to strictly control the use of what are called "stand up" units which, I understand, use 34 160 watt tubes as compared to the traditional sun beds which use an average of 25 100 watt tubes. We are told that these "stand up" units are brighter, faster and more powerful. What we are not told is that the consumer, in using this equipment with professional advice and assistance, is playing Russian roulette with his or her life. Concerns have been expressed about the level of emissions from the lamps and the quality of lamps. These issues should be dealt with by legislation and regulation.
There is a stark lack of public awareness of the dangers of sun beds. This is evident from the revelations in the media that parents are sending children for tanning sessions before their Holy Communion and Confirmation. If this is true — and we are led to believe it is — I can only describe this practice as no more or no less than reckless behaviour on the part of parents. This practice should be outlawed which is the case in the United Kingdom where persons under 18 years are not allowed to use sun beds.
I also ask the Government to strongly support the Irish Cancer Society's awareness campaign, which will be launched in May this year, on the dangers of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from tanning equipment. It issued guidelines today, and the central message is that too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage one's skin and general health.
In drawing comparisons between the UK and Ireland in relation to the use of sun-tanning equipment it is clear that Ireland has, unfortunately, no proper system of controls to protect the consumer at either national or local level. In the UK the Health and Safety Executive issues specific guidelines for those operating ultraviolet tanning facilities and provides specific information for the customer. At local level there is a special skin treatment licensing system which allows for local authority environmental health inspectors to monitor and inspect the operation of these businesses at local level. The Minister should replicate the UK system of controls by introducing the necessary legislation as a matter of urgency. The local authorities should be involved in licensing premises, and the remit of the Health and Safety Authority could be extended to provide for the safety not just of the workers but also the consumers using this equipment. There is an onus on the industry itself to self-regulate and ensure that all operators of sun-tanning equipment are professionally trained and provide proper medical care and attention for the customer. The British legislation I referred to is the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1992. It is time for us to follow suit.
A young man who lived in my constituency died tragically having used tanning equipment. There is widespread public concern following this sad event. It is incumbent on us as legislators to respond to that legitimate concern and bring a sense of order to the operation and use of this equipment which is urgently required. This should be done without delay.
