The Eastern Health Board has called for legislation to regulate the use of sunbeds following complaints from dermatologists that they are causing burns and other skin problems.
Dr Marie Laffoy, a public health specialist with the board, said there was evidence of a link between the unregulated use of sunbeds and skin cancer. She expressed particular concern that parents were using sunbeds to give their children tans before First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies.
Regulations have already been introduced in Britain prohibiting anyone under 18 years of age from using sunbeds. The ban followed the discovery that children were more at risk from exposure to ultra-violet radiation because their skin was more sensitive.
A spokesman for the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Cowen, said last night the health board's proposal was under consideration.
The dangers associated with the use of sunbeds came to prominence three years ago when a Dublin man died from burns sustained from using a sunbed to treat his psoriasis.
In March 1996, a Dublin woman exposed to excessive ultra-violet light, causing burns, was awarded £30,000 damages against a former solarium owner.