Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While one would wonder if there was anything left on the list of legislation in regard to the Department of Health, I wish to ask about two Bills. In doing so I will not deny others the opportunity to participate in the limited time afforded to us at this juncture. The first Bill is to establish a statutory financial governance framework for the HSE, namely, the Health Service Executive (financial matters) Bill which was to be published in this term but has not yet appeared. One would wonder about the implications of such delays for the so-called reform agenda in health.

The second Bill about which I want to ask is the public health (sunbeds) Bill which has been raised year after year. It is to introduce a number of measures to regulate the use of sunbeds, including the prohibition on their use by those under 18 years of age. Again, it was due for publication in this term but it has not appeared and we have been waiting a long time. Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in this country and, I understand, globally. Some 720 new cases of melanoma arise in this State each year. There is insufficient awareness of the dangers involved, in particular in regard to the exposure of young children. The introduction of this legislation will help in that cause.

See this speech in context