Craig Sinclair: Ireland is Seriously Considering an Outright Ban on Sunbeds

Craig Sinclair, Head of Prevention Division at the Cancer Council Victoria, shared a post by Institute of Public Health, adding:

“It is terrific to see that Ireland is seriously considering an outright ban on sunbeds. A public consultation is now open for Irish residents. Evidence from Australia’s experience demonstrates that such a ban is not only life-saving—it also has negligible economic impact. Most sunbed users transition quickly to safer alternatives like spray tans. If Ireland joins Australia and Brazil in banning sunbeds, it would represent a watershed moment for skin cancer prevention in Europe. This move would undoubtedly motivate other EU countries to follow. Let’s hope Ireland leads the way.”

Quoting Institute of Public Health‘s post:

“The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, has today launched a nationwide public consultation on the potential introduction of a ban on commercial hashtag#sunbed use in Ireland.
The initiative follows the publication of a report by the Institute of Public Health (IPH), which presents compelling evidence of the health risks associated with sunbed use. The report recommends a ban on commercial sunbed use to reduce the incidence of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in Ireland.

Minister Murnane O’Connor recently established a Cross-Departmental Working Group to explore the policy, legal, and public health implications of such a ban. The Working Group will consider international best practices, including lessons from countries like Australia, where commercial sunbed use has already been banned.

Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “This consultation marks an important step in our commitment to protect public health.
“The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use. Despite existing legislation, sunbeds are still being accessed by young people, putting them at serious risk of skin cancer.

“We must act decisively to prevent avoidable harm. I am encouraging everyone to have their say by participating in this public consultation. This is an important step in our efforts to safeguard the health of our communities, especially our young people, from a known carcinogen.”
The consultation invites feedback from the public, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups on a proposed ban and its potential impact. Submissions will inform the Working Group’s recommendations to Government later this year.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan said: “The evidence linking sunbed use to skin cancer is unequivocal. This is preventable harm, so we must focus on developing policies that protect people from these products.
“The goal is to ensure that any recommendations are grounded in evidence, science, public health priorities, and the lived experiences of people across Ireland. As the results of this public consultation will inform the work of the Cross-Departmental Working Group, it is vital that the public consultation is a thorough and inclusive process that considers the views of all stakeholders.”

The public consultation will remain open until 3 October 2025, and submissions can also be made via email. More information about the consultation can be viewed.

Access the IPH report on sunbed use in Ireland.”

Institute of Public Health also shared Department of Health – Ireland‘s post:

“Minister Murnane O’Connor has launched an online public consultation seeking the views and opinions of the public and industry on a proposed ban on commercial sunbed use in Ireland. “