Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

“Iris Oifigiúil” of 13th February, 2015.

I, LEO VARADKAR, Minister for Health, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 2 and 15 of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 (No. 12 of 2014), hereby make the following regulations:

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Public Health (Sunbeds) (Health Information) Regulations 2015.

2. These Regulations come into operation on 2 March 2015.

3. In these Regulations, “Act” means the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 (No. 12 of 2014).

4. The information set out in Schedule 1 is prescribed, for the purposes of section 15(1) of the Act, as the information on the health effects and other information relating to the use of sunbeds to be provided to a person each time he or she proposes to use, hire or purchase a sunbed.

5. (1) The form set out in Schedule 2 is prescribed, for the purposes of section 15(2)(c) of the Act, as the form to confirm that a person has been provided with a copy of the information prescribed under Regulation 4 and has had an opportunity to read and consider that information each time he or she proposes to use, hire or purchase a sunbed.

(2) The form prescribed in paragraph (1) shall-

(a) contain the text set out in Schedule 2,

(b) be printed on white paper or white cardboard, and

(c) be printed in black indelible ink, verdana typeface and a font size of at least 14.

Schedule 1

Regulation 4

Public Health (Sunbeds) (Health Information) Regulations 2015

HEALTH WARNING

INFORMATION FOR SUNBED USERS

Using sunbeds can seriously harm your health and lead to melanoma skin cancer. Sunbeds have been linked to:-

• a higher risk of skin cancer - people who use sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 years increase their risk of developing malignant melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) by 75 per cent;

• anyone who has ever used a sunbed is at least 20 per cent more likely to develop malignant melanoma;

• eye damage including melanoma of the eye and a higher risk of cataracts; and

• premature skin ageing which means that your skin becomes coarse, leathery and wrinkled at a younger age.

Your risk of developing skin cancer increases each time you use a sunbed.

There are also short term health effects:-

• sunburnt skin, which may become red, painful and blister;

• skin dryness;

• an itchy “heat” rash; and

• itchy eyes, conjunctivitis or more serious eye conditions if appropriate eye protection is not worn.

You should never use a sunbed if you:-

• have had skin cancer in the past;

• have a family history of skin cancer;

• have sunburn/skin damage or have a history of sunburn especially in childhood;

• burn easily in sunlight;

• have skin that never tans or does so with difficulty;

• have fair or sensitive skin;

• have a large number of freckles and/or red hair;

• have a large number of moles;

• are using medication or creams that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight;

• have a medical condition that is made worse by sunlight;

• have a suppressed or weakened immune system;

• fail to protect your eyes - never use a sunbed without wearing eye protection that meets the required standard; or

• are under 18 years (no person under 18 years may use a sunbed on these premises or purchase or hire a sunbed).

Skin is more sensitive to UV rays during pregnancy and sunburn is more common. Therefore, the risk of skin cancer is increased. Sunbeds should never be used during pregnancy.

IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO ALLOW A PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS USE A SUNBED ON SUNBED PREMISES OR TO HIRE OR SELL A SUNBED TO A PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS.

Schedule 2

Regulation 5

Public Health (Sunbeds) (Health Information) Regulations 2015

HEALTH INFORMATION FORM

This form must be signed each time by the potential client before a sunbed can be used, hired or purchased.

I confirm that I have been provided with a copy of the prescribed information and have had an opportunity to read and consider that information.

Signed: Date:

GIVEN under my Official Seal,

12 February 2015.

LEO VARADKAR,

Minister for Health.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)

These Regulations prescribe the information on the health effects and other information relating to the use of sunbeds to be provided to a person each time he or she proposes to use, hire or purchase a sunbed. These Regulations also prescribe the form to be signed by such person in order to confirm he or she has been provided with a copy of the prescribed information and has had an opportunity to read and consider it.

These Regulations may be cited as the Public Health (Sunbeds) (Health Information) Regulations 2015 and come into operation on 2 March 2015.