Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
1193. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health her views that there is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds and that using a sunbed even once increases your risk of cancer. [8753/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the scientific advice from the European Commission Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks in 2016 that "there is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds ".Notably, there is an increased risk from sunbed use particularly in childhood and adolescence and with frequent use.
In acknowledging the scientific advice, the public health measures currently in place in Ireland to address sunbed use include the Public Health Sunbeds legislation and Action Area 6 ‘Sunbeds and other artificial UV sources’ in the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan (2023 -2026). This Plan will continue to build on work already underway to reduce demand for sunbeds and other artificial sources of UV radiation.
My officials are progressing the commitment in the Programme for Government to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use.
