'There is no safe level of sunbed use' - New steps taken towards ban on commercial sunbeds

A nationwide public consultation has been launched on the potential introduction of a ban on commercial sunbed use in Ireland.

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD launched the initiative on Friday following the publication of a report by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) which found compelling evidence of health risks associated with the use of sunbeds.

The IPH's report recommended a ban on the commercial use of sunbeds in order to reduce the incidence of skin cancer which is the most common form of cancer in the country.

Such a ban in Ireland would follow in the footsteps of countries like Australia where commercial sunbed use has already been banned.

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Minister Murnane O’Connor recently established a Cross-Departmental Working Group to explore the policy, legal, and public health implications of such a ban. 

Commenting on the launch of the nationwide public consultation, Minister Murnane O’Connor said: "This consultation marks an important step in our commitment to protect public health."

She continued: "The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use. Despite existing legislation, sunbeds are still being accessed by young people, putting them at serious risk of skin cancer.

"We must act decisively to prevent avoidable harm. I am encouraging everyone to have their say by participating in this public consultation. This is an important step in our efforts to safeguard the health of our communities, especially our young people, from a known carcinogen."

The consultation invites feedback from the public, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups on a proposed ban and its potential impact. Submissions will inform the Working Group’s recommendations to Government later this year.

Supporting the launch of the public consultation, Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan said: "The evidence linking sunbed use to skin cancer is unequivocal. This is preventable harm, so we must focus on developing policies that protect people from these products."

She added: "The goal is to ensure that any recommendations are grounded in evidence, science, public health priorities, and the lived experiences of people across Ireland. As the results of this public consultation will inform the work of the Cross-Departmental Working Group, it is vital that the public consultation is a thorough and inclusive process that considers the views of all stakeholders."

The public consultation will remain open until 3 October 2025. More information can be found here.