Richard Bruton
Question:5 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce legislation to end the use of sunbeds; and the steps, if any, he will take to highlight the dangers posed by sunbeds to their users. [7771/99]
Other Questions. - Sunbed Regulations.
I have no plans to introduce legislation banning the use of sunbeds. Existing consumer legislation sets standards for tanning equipment and requires appropriate warning notices to be displayed on the equipment.
The advice given by the Department of Health and Children is that sunbeds should be used in moderation and that people should seek the advice of their family doctor before doing so for the first time. In certain circumstances, exposure to sunbeds may constitute a hazard. Sunbeds should not be used by children under 18 years of age, persons who burn easily or tan poorly, those taking drugs or cosmetics thought to be photoactive, those suffering from skin disorders induced or aggravated by exposure to sunlight, those with a history of skin cancer and those with risk factors for cutaneous melanoma. A consumer information sheet on possible risks from tanning equipment and the appropriate precautions to take is available to the public from the Irish Cancer Society.
Sunbeds are widely used in beauty salons by beauty therapists who offer cosmetic tanning as part of their services. Guidelines on the use of sunbeds in beauty salons were drawn up by the Society of Applied Cosmetology which represents beauty therapists. These guidelines incorporate advice from the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Cancer Society on appropriate precautions to be taken by sunbed operators to protect the health of clients.
Does the Minister agree the laissez faire approach to sunbeds needs to be reviewed in view of the fact that the cancer strategy indicates Ireland has a high number of cases of melanoma? Does the Minister consider it appropriate to introduce the licensing of personnel to ensure people are familiar with the guidelines from the Irish Cancer Society and the operation of such equipment so that consumers, who may not have an opportunity to read the guidelines, do not have to make their own decisions? Would he support an inspection by his Department to ensure this equipment is used in accordance with the guidelines?
Like much advice from the Department of Health and Children, sunbeds should be used in moderation. People should seek the advice of their family doctors before using them for the first time. Banning sunbeds or requiring me to introduce a sunbed amendment Bill to deal with this issue is too prescriptive. I will take the advice of the Irish Cancer Society and the IMO which are satisfied that guidelines are sufficient in this regard.