Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 251: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of concerns raised regarding the long-term damage to young people's health of using sunbeds when under the age of 16, guidelines for their use have been drawn up; if a proposal for licensing public fee paying sunbeds has been considered; if there has been an increase in inspections of such sunbeds to ensure that they are functioning properly in view of the fact that malfunctioning equipment can have adverse effects and accelerate skin cancers; if she has authorised a public health campaign, warning of the dangers of sunbeds to young teenagers and children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28764/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I can assure the Deputy that I share his concerns regarding the use of sunbeds. I am advised by the medical staff in my Department that ultraviolet light, either through natural exposure or sunbed exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer, particularly melanoma. The use of sunbeds leads to damage from ultraviolet radiation in the same way as sunlight exposure. Exposure in childhood is associated with even greater risks of subsequent melanoma.

I am aware that the national cancer forum has been considering measures to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the context of the development of the new national cancer strategy. I expect that the forum will consider it necessary to complement current efforts to promote safe sun practices and to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation with the regulation and restriction of the use of sunbeds to use by adults only. The forum is currently finalising the strategy and I expect it to be completed by the end of the year. I will then bring the document to Government and publish it as soon as possible thereafter.

The health promotion unit of my Department works in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society to develop health promotion programmes with communities and workplaces and to undertake regular public information and awareness campaigns that focus on cancer prevention, risk prevention and early detection. A consumer information sheet on possible risks from sunbeds and sunlamps and the appropriate precautions is available from the Irish Cancer Society. 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, which may increase sensitivity to UV exposure; or 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.