Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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257. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the need to introduce legislation to regulate the growing tattoo industry; if it is his intention to do so in the interests of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10121/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There is currently no legislation in Ireland specifically regulating tattooing businesses. However, these businesses are required to comply with general public health and safety legislation in the same way as any other business.

The responsibilities of business operators include taking all reasonable precautions for the safety of persons using the premises. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 imposes a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of employees. Employers are also obliged to manage and conduct his or her undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that in the course of the work being carried on, individuals at the place of work, (not being employees), are not exposed to risks to their safety, health and welfare.

In addition, under the Infectious Diseases Regulations, 1981, a Medical Officer of Health or an Environmental Health Officer is empowered where there is reason to believe that a suspected case of an infectious disease or a probable source of infection exists, to take such steps as are necessary for investigating the nature and source of such infection.

High standards of hygiene are necessary when tattooing in order to minimise the risks for both the person carrying out the tattooing and the client. Standard Infection Control Precautions were developed for the healthcare setting but they can and should be applied to any settings where there is a potential for persons to be exposed to blood or other body fluids including tattooing premises. It is also advisable that anyone carrying out tattooing receive the hepatitis B vaccination.

The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive are currently reviewing policy regarding tattooing and body piercing. In the first instance, the focus is on the development of a best practice guidance document aimed at practitioners in the area. The main objective of this guidance is to encourage best hygiene practice by tattooists and piercers, thereby minimising the risk of infection and so protecting both the artists and clients.

The draft guidance document has been the subject of consultation within the health sector and it is expected that the Department and the Health Service Executive will be in a position to bring the guidance to completion later this year.