A Fianna Fáil MEP has called for governments to lower or eliminate VAT on sunscreen to help curb the growing rates of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer, with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed every year.
The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040.
Kelleher, a member of the Public Health (SANT) and Taxation (FISC) committees in the European Parliament, made the request this week via a parliamentary question to the European Commission.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases per year. According to the Irish Cancer Society, nine out of every 10 cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds.
“At present, suncream is subject to VAT as it is deemed a cosmetic rather than a pharmaceutical product. This needs urgent change.
“There is nothing cosmetic about stopping skin cancer. Skin protection is a necessity not a nicety,” argued Kelleher.
“Suncream is expensive, and if applied correctly, and as regularly as recommended by healthcare professionals, can add up to a significant cost per year for families.
“As our planet warms, and exposure to UV radiation increases, skin cancer is only going to become a bigger issue for society.
“Other countries, such as Australia, recognised their skin cancer crisis several decades ago and took decisive action which has resulted in a significant reduction in skin cancer diagnoses in the under-40s.
“The cost to the Exchequer of lowering VAT on suncream would be replaced by lower skin cancer diagnoses and treatment costs.
“I know Public Health Minister, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor wants to make progress on this matter and has raised the European dimension with me.
“Working with her, I will lobby the European Commission to add a new sunscreen category to Annex III of the VAT Directive which would allow Member States to designate suncream as a category eligible for a reduced or super-reduced VAT rate.
“Ideally, we would completely remove VAT from suncream but at present, that’s not possible under the current VAT Directive and could also add costs upstream in the supply chain which would ultimately result in increased costs for the consumer.
“The EU needs to follow Australia’s example and facilitate citizens to take preventative action rather than treating the dire consequences arising from prolonged sun exposure."
