Tóibín calls for zero VAT rate on sunscreen

Calling for a zero VAT rate on sunscreen, Deputy Peadar Toibin, a former skin cancer patient, said the current VAT treatment "effectively placed a tax on skin cancer prevention."

The Meath West TD said Ireland should use its EU Presidency to seek a zero VAT rate on sunscreen.

He urged the government to seek agreement for a zero VAT rate, arguing that essential sun protection should be treated as a public health measure rather than a cosmetic luxury.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, we are seeing more than 11,000 people diagnosed every year. It is one of the most serious killers in terms of cancer in this State.

“I myself suffered from melanoma on my skin and I know what it's like to be under that dark cloud.”

The Aontu leader said Ireland had successfully argued for changes to EU VAT rules in the past, including the removal of VAT on menstrual products and the introduction of zero-rating for other essential goods such as children's clothing, oral medicines and solar panels.

"There is no reason why sun protection products should not be afforded similar treatment."

"Nine out of every ten skin cancers are caused by UV exposure, yet the State continues to apply a 23per cent tax to one of the products most commonly recommended to help reduce that risk.

"Sunscreen is not a luxury item. It is a basic health product that families, outdoor workers, children and older people are encouraged to use by public health authorities. The current VAT treatment effectively places a tax on skin cancer prevention."

“We cannot believe the Government has not made suncream a zero-VAT item in this weather.

"The Irish Government should make this a priority during Ireland's EU Presidency and build support among member states for a change to the VAT Directive that would allow sunscreen products of SPF30 and above to be zero-rated throughout the European Union."

"At a time when skin cancer diagnoses continue to rise and public health authorities are urging people to protect themselves from harmful UV exposure, governments should be removing barriers to prevention, not increasing them through taxation.

"The message from health experts is clear. Skin cancer is largely preventable, and sunscreen is one of the key tools in that prevention. The Government should use the opportunity of Ireland's EU Presidency to lead a common-sense change across Europe. We should not be taxing cancer prevention at 23 per cent,” he concluded.

had a lucky escape with skin cancer on his scalp after it was discovered by his brother when he bent down to tie his shoelaces at a family picnic last year, during one of the breaks in Covid lockdowns.

Deputy Tóibín was disgnosed with skin cancer on his scalp in 2020.