Ireland Considers Ban on Commercial Sunbeds to Combat Rising Skin Cancer Rates
Ireland is taking significant steps toward potentially banning commercial sunbeds, driven by growing concerns over skin cancer rates and the proven health risks associated with their use. A cross-departmental working group has been established to explore the feasibility and implications of a ban, building on recent reports highlighting the continued use of sunbeds despite existing regulations.
The Evidence: Sunbed Use and Skin Cancer Risk
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed annually [1]. Recent data indicates that sunbed use persists among both adults and children, despite legal restrictions prohibiting use by those under 18.
According to a report by the Institute of Public Health (IPH), 5.2% of children aged 10-17 years reported having used a sunbed at some point, while 4.4% had used one in the past 12 months [1]. Sunbed use is comparable between boys and girls, and across different age groups within that range.
Among those aged 15 and older, 18.1% report ever using a sunbed, with 2.9% reporting current use. Sunbed use is significantly more prevalent among women, with 82.7% of ever-users and 77% of current users identifying as female [1].
The IPH and the World Health Organization classify ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunbeds as carcinogenic [2]. Individuals who first use sunbeds before the age of 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75% [1].
Government Response and Working Group
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has welcomed the IPH report and established a cross-departmental Working Group to examine the possibility of a ban on commercial sunbed use [2]. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment under the Programme for Government 2025 to explore such a ban.
The Working Group will consider the policy, legal, and public health implications of a ban, evaluating public health, economic, and EU considerations [3]. A public consultation on the proposed ban recently closed [4].
Minister Murnane O’Connor stated, “There is no safe level of sunbed use,” emphasizing the need to protect the population, particularly young people, from preventable harm [2].
Current Sunbed Industry Landscape
As of 2023, there were 363 registered sunbed operators in Ireland, a legal requirement for businesses offering this service [1]. The majority operate from beauty salons or stand-alone premises. County Dublin has the highest concentration of registered providers (78), followed by Cork (49) and Limerick (23) [1].
HSE data indicates ongoing breaches of sunbed regulations, particularly concerning age verification, record-keeping, and misleading health claims [1].
Looking Ahead
The reports from the IPH, the Department of Health’s workshop, and the public consultation will be carefully considered alongside legal and economic factors before policy proposals are presented to the Government for a final decision. The move towards a potential ban reflects a growing commitment to prioritize public health and reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Ireland.
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