Sunbed use in Ireland must be regulated after new research found the cancer risk is as great as smoking, Cllr James Caroll has warned.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said sunbeds should be moved into the highest cancer risk category and after its latest study found they are “‘carcinogenic to humans”.
The study by the IARC found the cancer risk from tanning machines was greatest in children and young adults. The research was published in the latest issue of the Lancet.
“The risk of skin melanoma is increased by 75% when use of tanning devices starts before 30 years of age,” the report said.
The cancer risk is greater for younger people because their skin is more sensitive to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from sunbeds. The research also found there was an increased risk of developing eye cancer among people who use sunbeds.
“The Irish Cancer Society has been concerned about unregulated sunbed use for years,” Cllr Carroll added.
Two years ago the society found that over one-third of sunbed users in Ireland were under 19 years when they first used a sunbed. People are putting their lives in danger as they are not aware of the serious skin cancer risk associated with sunbeds,” he said.
Over the next 20 years, the number of skin cancers among women is expected to increase by 124% while the number of skin cancers among men is expected to increase by 184%, according to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and there has been an 84% increase in the number of cases in melanoma and a 48% increase in women over the past 10 years.
“I am calling for the use of sunbeds to regulated by law, similar to the rules that govern alcohol and cigarettes.”
“This report said there was evidence that many children used sunbeds and the machines were more powerful and potentially more dangerous than they used to be. Older sunbeds produce about 1% ultraviolet radiation but modern machines produce from 2 to 4% and generate radiation similar to sunlight,” Cllr Carroll concluded.
ENDS
South Louth Co. Cllr James Carroll has welcomed the introduction of legislation to regulate operators who offer premium rate services such as ring tones, competition text lines and sports results.
A Bill to regulate the premium rate telecommunications sector in Ireland was introduced by the Government this week.
“The Bill being introduced by the Government will put a strong consumer protection regime into place in relation to premium rate services such as ring tones for phones, text messages for sports results or traffic news, competitions, and chat lines,” the new Drogheda East Fianna Fáil co. cllr. said.
“The area has been self regulated to date, but that has not proved satisfactory. Too many people have found themselves out of pocket because they did not realise charges involved with such services.”
“Now premium rate service providers will require a licence to operate and they will be required to abide by conditions of that service.”
“The legislation being introduced is focused on protecting the consumer, particularly children and the elderly, who can be subject to misleading information and exploitation.”
“It will be an offence to overcharge for a premium rate service and anyone operating without a licence will be open to fines of up to €250,000.”
“This is an important step for consumer protection and I want to welcome the introduction of this important legislation,” concluded Cllr James Carroll.
ENDS
Fianna Fái County Councillor for Drogheda East James Carroll has welcomed the introduction of new legislation that will ban the advertising and display of tobacco products in shops and other retail outlets.
“From this week, retailers must remove all cigarettes and other tobacco from view in a closed container that can only be accessed by the retailer and staff. This will help to ensure that only those legally old enough will be able to purchase tobacco.”
“Retailers must also now display a sign to inform the public that tobacco can only be sold to those over 18.”
“Vending machines will now be banned except for in licensed premises and all retailers of tobacco products must register with the Office of Tobacco Control.”
“No advertising of tobacco products will be permitted in retail premises.”
“Research has shown that easy access to cigarettes and advertising in shops encourages young people in particular to start and continue smoking,” added the new 25 year old County Councillor.
“Making purchasing cigarettes difficult for young people has proven to be a deterrent according to research from the Department of Health. Prevention is vital if those young people are to avoid addition to tobacco and develop smoking related illnesses such as cancer or emphysema.”
“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland and I am delighted that the Government is being proactive in trying to prevent the sale of tobacco to those who are underage and discourage others.”
“Environmental Health Officers working across the country will be enforcing this welcome legislation,” concluded Cllr Carroll.
ENDS
Cllr James Carroll is urging people all over Ireland to support the fourth ‘Know Your Neighbour’ Weekend, which takes place this coming weekend, 11th and 12th July.
“This weekend’s initiative by Macra na Feirme should be fully supported by every sector in the community”, the new cllr added.
“Being involved with my local GAA and Pitch and Putt Clubs, I know the value of such an initiative,” the Drogheda East cllr said.
“We need to reinforce that resource that has always been our strength – the good neighbourliness, the tight bonds of community and the pulling together which has seen us through all times.”
People can apply for an organiser’s pack containing printed posters, fliers, invitations and stickers by clicking on the ‘get an organisers pack’ or by text or phone.
To request an organiser’s pack:
* email info@knowyourneighbour.ie
* text KYN followed by a space and their name and address to 51444.
* Call the Macra na Feirme office on 01 4268910
ENDS
Cllr James Carroll has welcomed the confirmation today that the EU Commission has approved Ireland’s application for official brucellosis-free status.
“This is a landmark achievement in the history of disease eradication in Ireland,” he said.
“The news will be welcomed by the farming community and it will have very a beneficial impact in the years to come, particularly in relation to trade and the cost of testing.”
“A controlled reduction in the brucellosis eradication programme will now be made over the next number of years,” the first-time Co Cllr added.
“There will be an increase in the period of the pre-movement test from 30 to 60 days, while the age threshold for round testing will be increased to 24 months.”
“However, in view of the greater risk attached to the movement, particularly the movement of breeding animals, the age limit for the pre-movement test will be kept at 12 months except in the case of bulls, for which the age limit is being increased to 18 months, given the lower risk of transmitting the disease.”
“The changes will be implemented as soon as possible after the publication of the EU Commission’s decision and the necessary changes are made to our own legislation.”
Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Carroll commended the efforts of all involved in the eradication regime, but added that it is essential that farmers continue to use appropriate replacement policies and effective bio-security measures so as to ensure that the status is maintained.
ENDS
Two schools in Drogheda are to get high-speed wireless broadband connectivity as part of the Government’s pilot plan to give students instant internet access anywhere in the school, according to new south Louth Co Cllr James Carroll.
St Oliver’s Community College and St Mary’s Diocesan School are among 78 schools nationwide that will get high-speed broadband as part of a €16 million investment.
These schools are part of the 100 mega bits per second (mb/s) post-primary schools project launched by the Government today.
Under the existing Schools Broadband Programme, primary and post-primary schools can access a basic level of broadband connectivity. The 100mb/s post-primary schools project is a wireless pilot initiative that runs until the end of 2011.
“This marks the next phase in the Government’s ambition to develop our schools into centres of e-learning and to make technology an integral part of the learning process. Today we are laying one of the foundation stones of Ireland’s new Knowledge Society. Providing our schools with high-speed wireless connectivity opens up a whole new world of learning for our children”, Cllr Carroll added.
“High-speed wireless broadband means that students will be able to upload and download material faster, access high-volume digital educational content and connect instantly to websites from any part of the school. In fact, the speeds will be similar to those offered to high-end national and multinational companies operating here,” said James Carroll.
He said the Government is making enormous strides in developing our schools information communications technology (ICT) capacity.
“Earlier this year, the Minister for Education announced that over 70 primary schools in which major construction work was completed last year would each get €5,000 per classroom to buy computer hardware, software and digital equipment. This is the first time there has been an ICT allowance per classroom at primary school level.
‘Today’s announcement at second level shows that the Government are committed to building schools’ ICT capacity in today’s increasingly knowledge-based society”.
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has now begun a tender process for broadband service providers.
ENDS
Contact Senator James Carroll, Seanad Eireann, Leinster House, Dublin 2
Tel: 01-6184374
Ogra.ie | FiannaFáil.ie | Louth County Council | Meath County Council | Houses of the Oireachtas
Website by Strawberry Media