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

We cannot legislate for private use but, given our population profile and the predominance of skin types I and II, further protections are necessary. Discouragement and disseminating information are useful but, sadly, further measures are required in the context of public health. If a measure has been successfully employed in another jurisdiction, it is not beyond our gift to undertake a similar approach. A number of states in Australia require tanning shops to carry out skin type assessments prior to allowing a person to use a sunbed. Interestingly, the scale employed is called the Fitzpatrick scale. There must be an Irish connection. Apparently the Fitzpatrick scale is universally recognised and can be easily employed in such settings, whether in Australia or in Ireland.

The evidence shows that Ireland already has a significant problem with skin cancer and the projections and statistics suggest that the challenge will double by 2040. I cannot contest that claim but those who make it are well informed of developing trends in public health and the Irish Cancer Society fully supports it. Those at greater risk need higher levels of protection. Cautions will not be sufficient. We should be prepared to go the extra mile and people will appreciate that we are doing so in their collective interest. Every person who avoids the process of treatment represents a significant saving in terms of public outlay on health costs. Prevention is the way to proceed.

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