A ban on the use of sunbeds has been likened to the smoking ban by a leading dermatologist.
It comes after the Tánaiste Micheál Martin says he would ‘very clearly’ support a ban on tanning beds.
Speaking on his trip to Ethiopia, Minister Martin said he believes the evidence is clear on the relationship between sunbeds and cancer.
"They are carcinogenic and I faced this fundamental, moral question when we did the smoking ban many years ago," he said.
"When the report came back and said passive smoking was a carcinogen, causes cancer, then the action had to be very clear in response.
"It's similar to asbestos.
"If the evidence - and the evidence is very strong around sunbeds and cancer - then the action is clear.
"The action has to be banning that... I would support a ban very clearly".
The Tánaiste is one of a number of TDs now calling for a total ban on sunbeds due to cancer risk concerns.
Meanwhile, a recent study by University College Cork (UCC) found that sunbed use appears to be on the rise – with one-in-10 people used a sunbed at least eight times during 2020.
Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists Professor Caitriona Ryan told Newstalk Breakfast a sunbed ban would be "fantastic".
"I think every dermatologist in the country if not the world would be delighted with that [ban]," she said.
"Unfortunately recently I've been seeing a trend of people using sunbeds again.
"I thought they had become a thing of that past but they're becoming very popular again in our younger populations, including in men".
'15-times stronger than UV radiation'
Prof Ryan said many people are simply unaware of the increased risks.
It's such a dangerous practice; a lot of people think it's just like being out in the sun, getting your tan," she said.
Prof Ryan said sunbeds are "15-times stronger" than UV radiation coming from the midday sun.
"One study even showed that using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases your melanoma risk by 75%," she said.
"It's something that is so easy for people to do."
'It becomes a hassle'
Prof Ryan likened a ban on sunbeds to the smoking ban which was introduced in 2004.
"I think we'd all love to see them gone," she said.
"I suppose the smoking ban is a great example - lots of people stopped smoking at that point.
"When things aren't readily available to people then it becomes a hassle.
"Tanning's an addiction for others, though; they've shown people can be addicted to tanning beds.
"They release endorphins and people feel the need for that hit, especially people who have got a more addictive personality".
Interior of a tanning bed. Image: dpa picture alliance archive / AlamyProf Ryan said there is a risk of moving the practice of sunbeds underground.
"People are going to argue having their own autonomy - free choice - they know it's dangerous, they can choose to do it," she said.
"I remember growing up having pals who had a sunbed in their house.
"Certainly, there's communities that will share a sunbed and if this becomes a black market thing... it means some people will use them in a really reckless way."
Prof Ryan added that "reputable" tanning clinics are very strict with time limits and other rules.
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Additional reporting: Andrew Lowth
