Consultation finds strong opposition to commercial sunbed ban in Ireland

The consultation, which received 9,320 public responses and 11 stakeholder submissions, is the largest carried out on commercial sunbed policy in Ireland.

Of those who responded, 67 per cent strongly disagreed that they would welcome a ban on commercial sunbeds, while 76 per cent supported increasing public awareness of the risks associated with sunbed use.

The report also identified support for stronger enforcement of existing legislation, improved compliance and greater public information.

The Sunbed Association (TSA) welcomed the findings, saying they represented a shift in the debate around future policy.

TSA vice-chair Joe McGlinchey said: “This report marks an important shift in the discussion around commercial sunbeds. For the first time, the Department of Health has produced a report that reflects the full range of views expressed during the consultation process. It recognises that this is not a simple issue and that any future policy must carefully balance public health objectives with evidence, proportionality, enforcement and practical implementation.”

He added: “The largest public consultation ever undertaken on this issue found significant opposition among respondents to a commercial ban, while identifying much stronger support for education, enforcement of existing regulations and public awareness. Those findings deserve to carry significant weight as Government considers the next stage of policy development.”

The association said the report supported its position that the Government should prioritise enforcement of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 and existing European UV emission standards.

TSA also criticised the delay in publishing the consultation findings, saying they should have informed policy discussions earlier.

The Sunbed Association also noted that commercial sunbeds continue to be regulated rather than prohibited across almost every European country, with outright commercial bans remaining the exception internationally.

Mr McGlinchey concluded: “The Sunbed Association now look forward to working constructively with the Department of Health, the HSE and all stakeholders to strengthen enforcement, improve public awareness and ensure Ireland achieves better public health outcomes through evidence-based, proportionate and practical regulation.”