Press Release: Wednesday 25 March 2026
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy publishes sunbed reports
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, has today published two reports on commercial sunbed use in Ireland.
They are:
- The Report of the Sunbed Working Group;
- The Department of Health’s Sunbeds Workshop Report.
The reports will inform future work on the Programme for Government commitment to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use as part of Ireland’s cancer prevention framework.
The Working Group examined the health evidence, regulatory framework and international experience and considered a range of policy options, with members advocating for a ban on commercial sunbed use as the most effective, evidence-based approach to reduce the harmful effects of sunbeds, particularly among children and young people.
The Department of Health Workshop Report demonstrated broad consensus for enhanced action, integrating legislative reform, enforcement, and increased public awareness.
A third report, on the Public Consultation on Sunbed Use in Ireland, is being finalised and will be published shortly.
The three reports will be considered together along with legal, economic and EU considerations, before policy proposals are brought to Government for decision.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said
“We know that sunbed use is linked to increased risk of skin cancer, so we must take strong action that protects our population from this preventable harm.
“I thank the Working Group members and stakeholders for their dedication and contribution.
“I have granted approval for this work to progress to the next phase of policy development, supporting our Programme for Government commitment to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use as part of Ireland’s cancer prevention framework.”.