Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
867. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health for an update on her Department's progression of the sunbeds working group recommendation to ban commercial sunbeds; the engagement her Department has had with the European Commission on this issue in recent months; and the timeline for progression of this issue. [68830/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use. In support of this commitment, I established a Sunbed Working Group, the Report of which was published on 25 March 2026. The majority of its members recommended a ban on commercial sunbed use as the most effective public health measure to reduce harm associated with sunbed exposure.
Since publication of the Report, the Department has been progressing the next phase of policy development. This work includes consideration of the findings of the Working Group Report, the Department-led Workshop Report, and the Report of the Public Consultation on Sunbed Use in Ireland. In addition, further work is being undertaken to assess the legal, economic, enforcement, feasibility and EU-law implications of the policy options under consideration.
The Department has also engaged with a range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, and has undertaken external engagement with counterparts in other jurisdictions to inform the development of this public health policy.
In relation to engagement with the European Commission, the Department has been examining the EU considerations that would arise should a proposal to prohibit commercial sunbed use be progressed. Any legislative proposal in this area would require careful consideration of relevant European Union law and, where appropriate, engagement with the European Commission, including through relevant notification procedures. This work forms part of the ongoing policy development process.
No Government decision has been made at this stage on the introduction of a ban on commercial sunbed use. Accordingly, it is not yet possible to provide a definitive timeline for legislation. The Department's current focus is on completing the remaining evidence, impact and policy analysis. Following completion of this work, policy proposals will be brought forward for Government consideration and decision. Subject to Government approval of a preferred policy approach, any necessary EU engagement and legislative processes would then be progressed.
The Government remains committed to protecting public health and reducing the burden of skin cancer, and the Department will continue to progress this work in an evidence-based and proportionate manner.
