A Monaghan senator believes the current VAT on sunscreen needs to be changed.
Robbie Gallagher made the point that about 11,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year and according to the Irish Cancer Society, that number is going to double by the year 2040.
Sunscreen is currently classified as a non-essential item, and is at a VAT rate of 23%.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said this week that it is not possible to remove the VAT rate from sun protection products.
In order for Ireland to introduce that measure they would have to get the go-ahead from the European Union.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator Gallagher said removing the VAT could be a cost neutral move.
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