Government to ban use of sunbeds for under 16s

The Government is planning to introduce a ban on the use of sunbeds for children under 16 years of age.

Speaking at the launch of the National Cancer Control Programme in Dublin today,  Minister for Health Mary Harney said the Cabinet had accepted her proposal to regulate the use of sunbeds.

Under the Tánaiste's proposals, the rental and sale of sunbeds to children under the age of 16 will be prohibited in an attempt to stem the incidence of skin cancer.

The measures were announced following last week's report from the National Cancer Registry (NCR) which warned that the incidence of melanoma would grow by 130 per cent in women and 170 per cent in men by the year 2020.

"Exposing children to ultraviolet rays from sunbeds puts them at greater risk of skin cancer in later life," the Tánaiste said.

"While it is impossible for the Government to regulate and prevent all risk factors, it is important that we send clear signals and regulate where there is evidence that it can bring benefits, particularly in relation to risks during childhood," she added.

Operators of sunbed salons will also be compelled to provide warning signs where sunbeds are available for use by the public.