Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Keaveney's call for a debate early in the next session on the banning of sunbeds. In recent days we have all become aware that there is about to be a public debate on the slapping of children by their parents as a form of correction, but we should really focus on and debate the use of sunbeds by children. There are parents of girls as young as seven and eight years who bring them to sunbeds in order that they will have a proper tan in receiving their first Holy Communion. Children getting ready to be confirmed are also exposed and subjected to sunbeds. I use the words "exposed and subjected" because a young child does not know the damage ultraviolet rays emitted by a sunbed can do to her young skin. One would imagine parents should be more responsible in what they are exposing their young children to. The Minister for Health and Children will be in the House immediately after the Order of Business. If the short Bill we are to deal with next is passed quickly, we might be able to have a word with her and ask her to ensure she will attend a debate on the use of sunbeds early in the next term. The subject merits a lot more debate than the issue of correcting children by slapping them.