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VIDEO: Health Minister announces ban on 'happy hours' for sunbed use

The Health Minister has announced a ban on so-called "happy hours" for sunbed use. Leo Varadkar s...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.18 16 Feb 2015


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VIDEO: Health Minister announc...

VIDEO: Health Minister announces ban on 'happy hours' for sunbed use

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.18 16 Feb 2015


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The Health Minister has announced a ban on so-called "happy hours" for sunbed use.

Leo Varadkar says that - from March 2nd - unlimited or free use of sunbeds will be banned.

Supervision will also be required for sunbed use and protective eyewear will have to be worn.

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Warning signs will have to be displayed as part of new measures to tackle skin and eye cancer.

Minister Varadkar says an outright ban on sunbeds was not considered, saying they do not want to introduce a 'nanny state':

Minister Varadkar spoke to reporters about the regulations being introduced on sunbeds:

The latest regulations follow the ban on sunbed use for under 18s introduced last summer. It applies to the use of sunbeds on commercial premises by children under the age of 18.

Dr Gillian Murphy, consultant dermatologist at Beaumont and the Mater hospitals, spoke to The Right Hook about the new regulations, saying they mark a step in the right direction. However, she also said sunbeds "just do harm. They don't do any good":

The Irish Cancer Society is welcoming the new restrictions on the use of sunbeds.

However, they say they will continue to lobby Minister Varadkar to ban them altogether.

Kathleen O’Meara is head of advocacy with the Irish Cancer Society:

Originally posted at 15.42


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