Minister Murnane O’Connor Launches Public Consultation on Potential Ban of Commercial Sunbed Use in Ireland

The following press release was issued by The Department of Health on July 25, 2025 and is shared here with their kind permission. Press Release: Friday 25 July 2025 The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, today launched a nationwide public consultation on the potential introduction of […]
New Institute of Public Health Report recommends a ban on sunbeds.

A new report published by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) has recommended a ban on sunbeds to reduce the risk of skin cancer in Ireland. The report, ‘An overview of sunbed use in Ireland and policy options to reduce skin cancer risk’, analysed available data on sunbed users, sunbed availability, current regulations on sunbeds […]
The Irish Times: ‘We all want to enjoy time in the sun, but it’s important to be careful,’ says mother of woman (33) who died of melanoma

The below article, ‘We all want to enjoy time in the sun, but it’s important to be careful,’ says mother of woman (33) who died of melanoma, written by Arlene Harris, was published in The Irish Times on 20 July 2024. ‘Neither of us thought that it would be something so serious,’ says Bernie Rice […]
New ‘Reduce your risk of Melanoma Skin Cancer (Holidaying at Home or Abroad)’ poster launched

As we head into the summer holidays, the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF), the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) are reminding everyone, but especially parents, of the importance of protecting skin from overexposure to the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, to reduce their risk of melanoma skin cancer*. […]
Promoting Sun Safety – Bekan NS Students’ Junior Entrepreneur Project

The 5th and 6th class students at Bekan National School undertook an exciting project this year, which aligns closely with the ISF mission of promoting skin health and sun safety. The students participated in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. As part of this initiative, the children were required to research a business idea and sell a […]
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: New Information Video

SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH This May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and to support this, the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) have launched a new information video resource for people affected by skin cancer. The video resource, presented by Dr Rupert Barry, Consultant Dermatologist, St James’s Hospital, provides information on what causes skin cancer; who gets […]
Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition

The HSE’s NCCP in collaboration with Healthy Ireland have launched of the Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition for its third year. The competition is open to all pre-school and primary school children and depending on their age category, to complete the SunSmart colouring sheets or draw their own picture showing how to be SunSmart. The […]
EHAI awards the John Shelley Bursary to the ISF

The Environmental Health Association Ireland (EHAI) has awarded the John Shelly Bursary to the ISF, in support of our work to raise awareness about the dangers of artificial tanning devices e.g. sunbeds, and the risks associated with overexposure to natural ultraviolet radiation emitted by the Sun. The EHAI is the professional body representing (among others) […]
Medical Independent: SkinSideOut – Addressing key skin concerns

This below article, “SkinSideOut – Addressing key skin concerns“, written by Priscilla Lynch, was published by the Medical Independent on 11th June 2023. Priscilla Lynch reports on the Irish Skin Foundation’s recent information day. On Saturday 22 April, the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) hosted SkinSideOut, a skin health information and exhibition event in O’Reilly Hall, University […]
HSE’s NCCP and Healthy Ireland Launch Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition

The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in collaboration with Healthy Ireland have launched the Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition. The competition is open to all primary school children. Depending on their age category, children are invited to complete the SunSmart colouring sheets or draw their own picture showing how to be SunSmart. There are […]