A PUBLIC CONSULTATION into sunbeds found that 67% of respondents were strongly against a banning their commercial use in Ireland – though most of those who replied to the consultation said they had used a sunbed before.

The report was published today by public health minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor.

The consultation was launched in July last year as the government explores how it can ban the use of commercial sunbeds in Ireland. A survey received 9,320 responses from Irish residents.

The survey was voluntary and those who took part self-selected.

Of those who took part in the survey, 84% said they had used sunbeds either previously or presently, which is drastically above the national overview which says around 18% of people have used a sunbed at least once in their lives.

“Accordingly, the results should not be regarded as statistically representative of the population of Ireland,” the department said.

Sunbeds dramatically increase users’ likelihood of developing skin cancer, which is Ireland’s most common form of cancer.

Of the survey’s respondents, those who had used sunbeds most commonly reported using them once a week (30%), while others (26%) reported doing so two or three times a week.

The majority began using them between the ages of 18 and 24.

“The principal reported motivations for sunbed use were feeling better with a tan and preparing for holidays, special occasions or events,” it said.

There were references to appearance, confidence, mental health, perceived benefits for skin conditions and personal choice.

Respondents also expressed concerns that a ban could lead to sunbed use in unregulated settings.

The consultation, however, also identified support from public health, NGOs, patient advocacy and environmental health stakeholders for enhanced public health measures, including a ban, on the basis of cancer prevention, child protection and reducing exposure to a known carcinogen.

In submissions to the consultation, the HSE’s Child Health Public Health team said it fully supports an outright ban.

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“From a child health perspective, commercial sunbed use represents an entirely preventable exposure to a known Group 1 carcinogen that disproportionately harms young people during their most vulnerable developmental period,” it stated.

It said current regulatory frameworks “have proven inadequate to protect children, with significant underage use persisting despite legal restrictions”.

The Irish Cancer Society similarly supported a ban, highlighting the health risks.

It also advised the implementation of “finance levers” ahead of a ban, such as exploring minimum pricing structures, and a ban on advertising and promotion of products aligned with minutes of sunbeds used.

Murnane O’Connor said the consultation “shows that this is a complex policy issue, with strongly held views across the public, health, industry and stakeholder groups”.

Policy options will be brought to the government after further policy analysis and EU engagement, she added.