Department of Health to consult EU before deciding on sunbed ban

The Sunbed Association (TSA) has questioned why a section dealing with training of staff has not yet been put in to action. File picture

The Department of Health plans to engage with the European Commission before making any decisions around a commercial ban on sunbed use, it has said.

Proposals for a ban have already proved controversial, with a high level of lobbying including written submissions and business groups meeting with department officials.

The Irish proposals follow a growing global trend, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating over 40 national or provincial authorities have banned or restricted sunbed use already.

The WHO international agency for research on cancer has classified exposure to sunbeds as carcinogenic to humans, linking use to melanomas and other cancers.

A public consultation on the plans in Ireland last year received around 9,500 responses, including submissions from the public, the sunbed industry, healthcare workers, and public health bodies.

The department plans to publish a report on this consultation before the end of June, a deadline set out in a working group report in March.

A spokeswoman said: “As there were almost 9,500 responses to the public consultation, it is important that the views are reflected in the report and work is ongoing to finalise the report, which will be published in quarter 2, 2026.” 

She said the consultation offered businesses “an important initial opportunity” to outline their views.

The department separately received “several written submissions” from the industry and officials met with two groups.

It is possible further consultations will be considered, “as appropriate, arising from further policy analysis, in advance of any proposals being brought to Government". No decision as been made as of yet.

“Further policy analysis will be undertaken in order to inform a government position, including engagement with the European Commission,” said the spokeswoman.

The sector is regulated under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014.

The Sunbed Association (TSA) has questioned why a section dealing with training of staff has not yet been put in to action.

This sets out the qualifications and skills which would be required by staff and states this would be done in consultation with the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland.

The department spokeswoman confirmed that Section 14 has not been commenced.

TSA vice chairman Joe McGlinchey claimed this points to a “central contradiction” in the proposed Government policy.

“Ireland has strong laws and regulations, aligned with EU standards, but the laws on UV emission levels have simply not been enforced,” he said.

“And a key part of our own domestic legislation relating to training of sunbed operators has never been commenced, 12 years after the law was introduced. 

"Instead of addressing these failures, the Government is now attempting to eliminate the regulated sector entirely.” 

In a statement he described the public consultation report as “withheld” and claimed the proposed ban is being introduced “without examining its effects”.

The Sunbed Council of Ireland stated: “Regulate the sunbed industry correctly, not shut it down. We are here to support all sunbed shops in Ireland and be their voice. We aren’t backing down without a fight.”