Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 590: To ask the Minister for Health his views are on those under eighteen years of age using sunbeds and his plans to introduce any measures in this area [30870/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There has been a growing body of evidence over recent years that the use of sunbeds, especially by children, should be restricted because of the associated increased risk of skin cancer and other health problems. Currently, there are no statutory regulations governing sunbed use. Government has approved the drafting of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Bill. e Bill will prohibit the use by those under 18 years of age and sets out a comprehensive range of measures to promote a greater public awareness across all age groups of the dangers of developing skin cancer, premature ageing and eye damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Key provisions proposed for inclusion in the Bill are:-

(i) a prohibition on operators of sunbed premises from allowing anyone under 18 years of age to use a sunbed on their premises;

(ii) a prohibition on the sale to or hire of sunbeds to anyone under 18 years of age;

(iii) an exemption for medical treatment to be provided;

(iv) a prohibition on the use of sunbeds in unsupervised commercial premises;

(v) control on the remote sale or hire of sunbeds (internet transactions);

(vi) sunbed operators, sellers and hirers will be required to notify the Health Service Executive (HSE);

(vii) a requirement that sunbed operators provide training for staff;

(viii) an enforcement regime and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance;

(ix) an obligation on all sunbed operators to provide protective eyewear;

(x) a requirement that warning signs be displayed in all sunbed premises;

(xi) a prohibition on promotional marketing practices;

(xii) a requirement on operators to ensure that sunbed users are made fully aware of the potential dangers of sunbed use; and

(xiii) a provision whereby sunbed users are required to acknowledge/accept the risk associated with sunbed use (consent forms).

I understand from the Office of the Attorney General that drafting of this legislation is expected to be completed in late 2012. e Bill, when drafted,will need to be notified to the EU Commission under the Technical Standards Directive prior to its publication.