Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety

PRESS RELEASE

17 June 2010

HSSPS 05/09/10

SUNBED DANGERS ON AGENDA AS COMMITTEE VISIT CANCER UNIT

The Northern Ireland Assembly Health Committee will hold a meeting on 17 June in Queen’s University’s Centre for Cancer Research. The Committee will hear evidence about the Sunbeds Bill, which is currently being debated at the Assembly. This Bill looks to tighten up regulations on tanning salons and limit the potential damage that sunbeds can do.

Speaking before the meeting, Committee Chair, Jim Wells MLA said: “The Sunbeds Bill is a very important piece of legislation. Sunbed misuse can directly increase the chances of developing skin cancer. The Committee is determined to take action in the battle against skin cancer and it’s appropriate that our meeting is in Queen’s Cancer Research Centre.”

The public meeting is part of the Committee’s regular programme and they will be taking evidence from Environmental Health Officers about the Sunbeds Bill.

The Committee will also tour Belfast City Hospital’s Cancer Unit and find out more about the work taking place in cancer research and cell biology.

ENDS

Committee Membership:

Mr. Jim Wells (DUP) (Chairperson)
Ms Michelle O’Neill (SF) (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr. Thomas Buchanan (DUP)
Dr Kieran Deeny (IHC)
Mr. Alex Easton (DUP)
Mr. Samuel Gardiner (UUP)
Mrs. Mary Bradley (SDLP)
Mr. John McCallister (UUP)
Mr. Tommy Gallagher (SDLP)
Ms Claire McGill (SF)
Ms Sue Ramsey (SF)

More information on the Sunbeds Bill can be found here:

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/legislation/primary/2009/nia18_09.htm

For media enquiries please contact:
Debra Savage
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Tel: 02890 521 405
Mobile : 07920 864 221
Email: debra.savage@niassembly.gov.uk