John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Keaveney for raising this matter on the adjournment of the Seanad, which I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, who could not be here. Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in Ireland. In 2005 there were 26,776 new cancers registered with the National Cancer Registry, of which 6,196, 23.1%, were non-melanoma skin cancers and 598, 2.2%, were melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. I again thank the Senator for raising the matter as it helps us to focus on what this issue is about.

The national cancer control programme, NCCP, which was set up in 2007 to provide a comprehensive programme of cancer control in Ireland, has established a cancer prevention working group in collaboration with the health promotion services of the Health Service Executive. The key areas for attention are smoking cessation, obesity and physical activity, alcohol and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The NCCP is in the process of establishing a multidisciplinary skin cancer expert working group, chaired by a consultant dermatologist, to address the prevention and management of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The focus of the work will be on prevention and awareness, early detection and management in the primary care setting, GP referral guidelines and integration of general practice with acute services and specialist management of skin cancers. The first meeting of the group has been set for May 2009.

Responsibility for running health promotion and social marketing campaigns, including public awareness campaigns, falls within the remit of the Health Service Executive. The Health Service Executive does not plan to run specific campaigns on the dangers of sun exposure for this summer 2009 as the new skin cancer expert working group is beginning its work this month.

The Irish Cancer Society is a leading provider of information on skin cancer and the importance of prevention in Ireland. Through a variety of campaigns and services, the society endeavours to reach all people and educate them on skin cancer prevention and the importance of the early detection of skin cancer. This year the Irish Cancer Society will again run a national SunSmart campaign to promote skin cancer prevention behaviours and to encourage people to follow the SunSmart code. The campaign is scheduled to commence on 11 May with national radio and magazine advertising. This year's campaign will be primarily aimed at children and those caring for children to encourage everyone to be SunSmart.

In June 2006, the national cancer forum prepared A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland. In that report, it was recommended that "in conjunction with campaigns to promote safe sun practices and to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation, regulation of sunbed use, including restriction of their use to adults only should be put in place." The Department of Health and Children initiated a public consultation on the proposed legislation to regulate sunbeds and has analysed the submissions received. Meetings have taken place with interested parties and a regulatory impact analysis, RIA, has been drafted.

The enforcement measures to apply to the proposed sunbed legislation are being considered. This is an ongoing process and the Department is researching the legal issues, examining the position both in Ireland and in other countries and arranging meetings with a number of interested parties. In parallel with this, work is under way to finalise the RIA and the heads of a Bill for consideration by Government. These processes are inter-linked and outcomes in these areas of work will shape the final versions of the RIA and the heads of a Bill. Following consideration of the enforcement issue, the completion of the RIA and the drafting of the heads of the Bill, it is intended to submit proposals on the regulation of sunbeds for consideration by Government before the end of the year.

Despite the enormous benefits of preventing diseases and illnesses, the primary focus of health care systems is on treatment rather than prevention. I firmly believe that promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours across the population is worthwhile. The Government will continue to support efforts to create greater awareness around the preventative measures and positive lifestyle behaviours needed to allow people to live healthier lives. Again, I thank Senator Keaveney for bringing the issue before the House.