The long-awaited ban on the use of sunbeds by people under 18 years of age will take effect next month with the signing into law of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014, Health Minister James Reilly has announced.

Minister Reilly has today appealed to Irish people, especially young people, to take seriously the dangers to their health by over-exposure to sunlight or tanning radiation.

Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in Ireland at the moment, with over 10,000 new cases annually, according to the Department of Health.

The new law will ban the use of sunbeds, in a sunbed premises, by persons under 18 years of age. It will be against the law to sell or hire a sunbed to anyone under 18 and the new law forces sunbed operators to make clear all the dangers of sunbed use.

"What young people must realise is that they are putting their health at serious risk by using sunbeds, " said Minister Reilly.

"I would ask all sunbed users to consider the pain and scarring and even possible death that can result from skin cancer and to ask themselves 'is it worth it'? Is having a 'healthy' tan really worth risking my life?"

Dr Reilly said the Act represents a major public health initiative and a robust tool which will help protect children from the dangerous effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The new law, which prohibits the use of sunbeds on a sunbed premises by those under 18 years of age and the sale or hire of sunbeds to under 18s, will come into effect before the end of July and will be enforced by the environmental health officers in the HSE.

The law will also ensure that adults have appropriate information to be able to make informed choices about sunbed use.

"On many occasions I have emphasised the need for preventive measures in the public health area and the need to protect our children, whether from the dangers of sunbeds or tobacco", said Minister Reilly.

"This Act forms part of our overall public health strategy and measures aimed at addressing the main causes of cancers. As you will be aware, last week I presented the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 to the Seanad. This Bill will be another weapon in our armoury which will protect children by reducing the tobacco industry's ability to lure them into starting to smoke."

Dr Reilly said skin cancer is almost entirely preventable.

"A sensible approach to protecting ourselves from UV radiation is all that is needed. People can enjoy the sun but it is essential that they take sensible precautions. In particular, parents must take steps to ensure that children are protected from UV rays and that they never ever use sunbeds".