Lombard calls for sun cream VAT reduction to be included in Finance Bill

Senator Tim Lombard said that the Finance Bill should include a reduction on the VAT on sun cream.

Senator Lombard said: “Since I made my initial proposals in for VAT reduction on sun cream in June, I have been overwhelmed by positive responses I have received from people and organisations.

“I had a productive meeting with the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Pascal Donohoe where I outlined my proposal to him.

“We need to remove any barriers to people using this potentially lifesaving product.

“As the Irish Cancer Society says – Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed in 2015. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040.

“A reduction on VAT on sun cream is one small step we can take to reducing skin cancer, but it is clear to me we need to adopt a more serious approach to changing behaviours by impressing on people the seriousness of this blight. I have spoken to the Minister for Health Simon Harris about this.

“People who work outside particularly need to take note, this means farmers, fishermen and people who work in the construction sector to name but a few.

“Very few people’s lives are untouched by this scourge of a disease and we need to do all we can to tackle it,” the Cork Senator said.