Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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697. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the fact that there is no regulation of tattoo and body piercing businesses here; his plans to introduce legislation to protect the health of users of these services; the reason for the delay in publishing guidelines for this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35834/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no specific legislation in Ireland in relation to the regulation of tattooing and body piercing businesses. However, they are required to comply with public health as well as health and safety legislation in the same way as any other business. In the absence of sector specific regulation, my Department and the Health Service Executive are finalising guidelines on infection control for use by the tattooing and body piercing industry. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance in relation to infection control, and is aimed at achieving the highest standards of safety and prevention. It will also provide information concerning best practice to people who are considering getting a tattoo or body piercing when choosing an operator.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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698. To ask the Minister for Health the number of complaints received by his Department and the HSE relating to tattoo and body piercing in each of the years 2008 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35835/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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699. To ask the Minister for Health the number of complaints received by environmental health officers relating to infectious diseases or injuries originating from tattoo and body piercing businesses in each of the years 2008 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35836/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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700. To ask the Minister for Health the number of inspections carried out by environmental health officers in tattoo and body piercing businesses in each of the years 2008 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35837/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.