‘SPF is not a luxury item like lipstick, it saves lives' – TanOrganic founder Noelle O'Connor hits out at Vat on sunscreen
Responding to a parliamentary question from Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, Mr Donohoe said there was 'no discretion' under the EU Vat directive for Ireland to apply a reduced rate to SPF products.
'Sunscreens and sun-protection factor are not included in the categories of goods and services to which the EU Vat directive allows a lower rate to be applied,' he said.
But Ms O'Connor said these sunscreen products are 'lifesaving' and should be designated in the same category as medication. That would allow a zero Vat rate to be applied to them.
Ms O'Connor is calling for urgent EU action to have this change implemented.
'It should be similar to Nurofen, in that it can be bought over-the-counter and without a prescription,' she said.
'SPF is not a luxury cosmetic. It's not the same as a lipstick. It is an essential item and needs to be re-classified as such.'
With temperatures soaring close to 30C this weekend, Ireland is in for some Mediterranean-style weather over the coming days.
There are more than 11,000 people diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland annually, and this figure is expected to double by 2040. The most common form of cancer in the country, about 270 skin cancer-related deaths are recorded annually.
Ms O'Connor, the founder of TanOrganic, launched her campaign to have SPF products deemed essential items in May. The Dragons Den star has joined forces with the Mater Hospital's skin cancer clinical nurse specialist Kelsey O'Donnell and melanoma specialist Shirley Potter.
Ms O'Connor said both medics have witnessed the 'devastating impact' of skin cancer on families across the country.
She has gathered over 2,500 signatures on an Uplift campaign as part of this initiative.
'I've got a load of doctors behind me. I'm really passionate about this. We've worked with dermatologists and worked with the Mater Hospital. They all feel it's an essential product,' she said.
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