Ireland initiates public discussion on the prospective prohibition of sunbed usage
In the heart of Ireland, a significant move is underway as the government launches a public consultation on a potential ban on commercial sunbed use. The consultation, open from July 25 to October 3, 2025, aims to gather views from the public and industry stakeholders on this proposed ban [1][2][5].
Currently, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to use sunbeds in Ireland, but the proposed ban would be broader, potentially banning all commercial sunbed use except for phototherapy conducted under medical supervision [1][2]. This move aligns with government efforts to reduce Ireland’s high and rising skin cancer rates, particularly melanoma, which is strongly linked to sunbed use before age 35 [2].
The evidence linking sunbed use to skin cancer is "unequivocal", according to Prof Mary Horgan, chief medical officer [3]. According to an Institute of Public Health (IPH) report, some 5.2% of children aged 10-17 years have used a sunbed, and 4.4% have used a sunbed in the last 12 months [4]. Sunbed use is similar among boys and girls and among preteen and teenage children [4].
No ban has been enacted yet, so there is no direct data yet on its impact on skin cancer rates. However, evidence and government reports have supported that a ban on commercial sunbeds would likely reduce skin cancer rates in the population, especially among vulnerable groups like children and teenagers [3].
In 2023, there were 363 sunbed operators registered with the HSE, a legal requirement [6]. The majority of sunbed providers operate from a beauty salon or stand-alone premises [7]. The IPH report mentioned 17 fixed payment notices served and four prosecutions taken under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 [5]. HSE data indicates consistent breaches of sunbed regulations, including minimum legal age of sale, record-keeping, and health claims [8].
Minister of State for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has launched this public consultation, stating that there is no safe level of sunbed use and that existing legislation has not prevented sunbeds from being accessed by young people, putting them at serious risk of skin cancer [9]. The consultation invites feedback from the public, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups on a proposed ban and its potential impact [1][2].
The goal of developing policies regarding sunbeds is to protect people from preventable harm. The public consultation is available on the department's website, and submissions can also be made via email [1][2]. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with more than 11,000 cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed annually [10].
The Institute of Public Health (IPH) has recommended the banning of sunbeds to reduce skin cancer in Ireland [3]. As of late July 2025, Ireland has not yet implemented a ban on commercial sunbed use, but the public consultation is a significant step towards potentially protecting the population from the risks associated with sunbed use.
References:
- RTE News
- Irish Examiner
- BBC News
- IPH Report
- Department of Health
- HSE Data
- IPH Report
- HSE Data
- Irish Times
- Cancer Research UK
- The consultation, aimed at gathering views on the potential ban of commercial sunbed use in Ireland, is part of the government's health-and-wellness initiative to reduce the rising incidents of skin-cancer, particularly melanoma, which is strongly linked to sunbed use at a young age.
- According to recent findings by the Institute of Public Health, although it is illegal for anyone under 18 to use sunbeds, a significant number of children and teenagers have still used sunbeds, which underscores the need for stricter measures such as a complete ban on commercial sunbed use.
- In line with the goal of developing policies to protect people from preventable harm, the proposed ban on commercial sunbed use would not only address medical-conditions like skin-cancer but would also extend to areas such as skin-care and nutrition, as avoiding sunbed use is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall health and wellness.
