The Irish Cancer Society has launched a national campaign calling on Government to publish long-awaited legislation to regulate sunbed use so that children and young people are protected from the risk of developing skin cancer.

The Society points out there is currently no regulation of sunbeds in Ireland, meaning that children under 18 and those with very fair skin can use sunbeds without proper warning or supervision.

It said the Government committed to introducing legislation to regulate sunbed use in the Programme for Government but this law has been delayed.

Kathleen O'Meara, Head of Advocacy & Communications with the Society, said while the Government delayed the publication of sunbed legislation, sunbed operators could exploit young people's desire for a year-round tan.

"Sunbed use is as carcinogenic as smoking and we need the Minister for Health to show the same degree of leadership that he has shown in combating tobacco related illness and prioritise the introduction of this lifesaving legislation."

Ms O'Meara said there was widespread public and political support for sunbed regulation.

In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer placed sunbeds in the highest cancer risk category.

The Irish Cancer Society has pointed out that skin cancer is the most common cause of cancer in Ireland, with nearly 10,000 cases diagnosed each year - around 900 of these are melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Find out more about skin cancer here