Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 157: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the trend among children to use sunbeds when preparing for occasions such as First Holy Communion; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the Irish Cancer Society has called for a ban on the use of sunbeds for under 18s; her plans to introduce stricter regulations for the industry, in view of the possible implications for the health of those using these sunbeds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11688/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the medical staff in the Department of Health and Children that ultraviolet light, through either 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.

The national cancer forum has considered measures to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the context of the development of the new national cancer control strategy. The forum submitted the strategy to me in January and the Department of Health and Children is considering the document prior to submission to Government.