Vol. 502 No. 6
196 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children the studies, if any, available to his Department on the use of sunbeds; if he will introduce a health warning to users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9372/99]
216 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children his views in relation to the use of sunbeds; his views on whether new regulations need to be introduced for their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8981/99]
224 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to ban or regulate the use of sunbeds in view of the evi dence which proves they are injurious to the health of the users. [9181/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 216 and 224 together.
I have no plans to ban the use of sunbeds. Existing consumer legislation sets standards for tanning equipment and requires appropriate warning notices to be displayed on the equipment.
The Department of Health and Children has advised 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, 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.
There are guidelines laid down for use of sunbeds by beauty therapists who offer tanning as part of their services. These guidelines were drawn up by the Society of Applied Cosmetology in line with recommendations from the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Cancer Society.
