Minister Murnane O'Connor launches landmark Health Research Board report to support policy development on sunbed use

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, today launched a new Health Research Board (HRB) report at a national stakeholder workshop aimed at shaping future policy on sunbed use in Ireland.

The report, titled, “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining the Effectiveness of Public Health Interventions on the Reduction of Sunbed Use and Skin Cancer Rates” brings together global evidence on strategies to reduce sunbed use and related skin cancer incidence.

Opening the multidisciplinary workshop, Minister Murnane O’Connor stated:

“Today’s objective is to inform the development of a robust, evidence-based public health policy. I encourage open, constructive dialogue throughout the day.

"By working together, as experts, advocates, or civil society representatives, we can shape a policy that protects the health and wellbeing of people across the island of Ireland.”

In line with the Programme for Government commitment to “Explore Ways to Ban Commercial Sunbed Use”, Minister Murnane O’Connor has established a cross-departmental Working Group to examine the legal, policy, and public health implications of such a ban.

Today’s event follows the recent closing of a public consultation on a proposed ban on commercial sunbed use, and marks a key milestone in the wider stakeholder engagement process, offering a unique opportunity to share knowledge and expertise in support of evidence-informed policy development.

Minister Murnane O’Connor has previously stated:

“The evidence is clear - there is no safe level of sunbed use. Despite existing regulations, sunbeds are still being accessed by young people, putting them at serious risk of skin cancer.

“We must act decisively to prevent avoidable harm.”

Discussing the key outcomes of this report, Dr Tonya Moloney, Research Officer, HRB said:

“The review shows that single interventions have limited impact in reducing sunbed use. The evidence indicates that education changes attitudes but not always behaviour, while regulation alone reduces access but doesn't address underlying motivations.

“The review shows that progressing Irish policy in this area would be justified if a dual approach is taken involving legislation addressing restrictions, as well as targeted education campaigns.

“Enforcement of restrictions is essential to establish reductions in sunbed use. This isn't just about reducing statistics - it's about preventing thousands of cancer diagnoses and saving lives.”