3146. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health To ask the Minister for Health for an update on her plans to introduce a legislative ban on sunbeds; a timeline for this plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59601/26]

My officials are progressing the commitment in the Programme for Government to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use. It is important to note that to date no decision has been made in relation to the introduction of a commercial ban on sunbed use.

As Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, the development of public health measures to address sunbed use is a priority. In this regard I established the Sunbeds Working Group to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use in Ireland, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The Report from the Working Group was published in March 2026.

https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/6d30c156/20260320_Sunbed_Working_Group_Report_with_Date.pdf.

In addition, I launched a public consultation seeking the views and opinions of the public and industry on a proposed ban on commercial sunbed use. There were almost 9,500 responses from members of the public, the sunbed industry, health sector workers, public health bodies and non-governmental organisations.

The report of the consultation published in July 2026 provides the views and opinions of the respondents, including members of the public, industry and other stakeholders on a potential ban on commercial sunbed use which will inform future policy development. It highlights the need for any future measures to be evidence-based, proportionate and capable of protecting public health, while also anticipating practical implementation challenges and potential unintended consequences.

https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/979dea3f/20260713_Sunbed_Public_Consultation_Report_Final.pdf.

Alongside the recently published reports the Department is currently examining the legal, economic and EU law considerations to ensure that any proposed measures are robust, proportionate, and compliant with Ireland’s obligations. This analysis will inform the development of policy proposals for submission to Government in due course.

It is my intention to engage further with relevant stakeholders once this analytical work has progressed, and in advance of bringing proposals to Government, to ensure that all perspectives are appropriately considered.