Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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While my Department has not received any formal contact from the Environmental Health Officers' Association, EHOA, in relation to the issue referred to by the Deputy, I am aware of an article in the EHOA's yearbook 2004-05 raising the issue of whether sunbeds and tanning facilities should be regulated.

My Department supports a range of initiatives organised by the Irish Cancer Society which impact on awareness of the risk factors associated with many cancers, including melanomas. A Sunsmart campaign is organised each year by the society to increase awareness of risk factors for skin cancer. With regard to sunbeds, the society advises that they are not a safe way to tan. In particular, the society advises that people should not use sunbeds if they: have skin which always sunburns with no ability to tan or sunburns quite easily with only an ability to develop a light tan; are less than 18 years of age; have large numbers of moles; tend to freckle; have a history of frequent childhood sunburn; have pre-malignant or malignant skin lesions; have sun damaged skin; are wearing cosmetics as this may increase sensitivity to UV exposure; and are taking medication. In this case, persons should seek advice from their doctor to determine if the medication will make them UV radiation sensitive. This advice is in line with the World Health Organisation recommendations for the management of sunbed operations which incorporate the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection.

In January 1996 the Society of Applied Cosmetology, now known as the Irish Beauty Professional Association, issued guidelines on the use of sunbeds. These guidelines incorporated the then advice of the Irish Cancer Society. The association has advised that these guidelines are currently being updated and should be finalised shortly. I have no plans at present to introduce legislative controls in relation to this issue.