John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Health if he will introduce registration, inspection or operational standards for tattoo parlours with particular emphasis on parental consent for those under 18 years of age using these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44308/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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On 7 December, my Department published a draft document "Tattooing and Body Piercing Infection Control Guidance". The consultation document is available on the Department's website and will remain open until 15 January 2016.

Tattooing and body piercing is performed without incident in the vast majority of cases, but it is important that customers understand the nature of procedures, and that practitioners brief clients in advance of the potential risks involved.

Specific issues covered in the draft Guidelines are

- Good practice for infection control and preventing contamination, including personal hygiene and clean premises

- The use of template consent forms, and aftercare advice leaflets to clients;

-The need to provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees on health and safety.

The draft guidelines were developed by public health practitioners and environmental health experts in conjunction with the Department of Health. I look forward to receiving views on the draft guidelines during the consultation process.

There is no specific regulation or legislation in this area but it is hoped that this guidance document will help drive high standards of infection control and prevention in this sector.