Cases of HIV and hepatitis B have risen dramatically because of the use of piercing guns in body-piercing and tattooing services in Dublin, the Dail was told.
Mr Brian Hayes (FG, Dublin South West) criticised the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, for delay in producing an information leaflet and guidelines on the regulation of these services, which were promised in November.
Mr Hayes said there was evidence from doctors in Dublin of "grotesque infections occurring in young people who have used body-piercing and tattooing services".
The Minister said that a considerable amount of work had been done on the guidelines, which would assist environmental health officers inspecting premises under the infectious diseases regulations.
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