Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State referred to regulations and the obligation on proprietors of tanning shops to inform customers of the risks. I assume the customer is also obliged to read and sign a disclaimer to show he or she understands not only the terms and conditions, but also the risks. Sometimes it is said we have a lot of laws. It is a question of enforcing them and, more important, educating people so that they understand and comply with the law.

Although the climate in Australia is very different, the skin types are very similar due to our shared genetic background. Australia operates strict regulations for children playing in school grounds which require them to wear hats and protect their shoulders and arms. We do not need to be as extreme but we must be conscious that the vast majority of Irish people are unaware of the dangers of the Irish sun. In Inchydoney during the first week of June, irrespective of whether it is fine or overcast, one can see people who are sunburnt because they do not understand the dangers of ultraviolet rays even on a cloudy day. We need to develop a public health policy for awareness raising and an aggressive campaign to highlight the dangers. I hope the Minister of State will take that on board by rolling out a campaign in a targeted way to children as well as adults. It is often the case that children impart knowledge to their parents about these issues.

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