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The Daily PollHEALTH MINISTER SIMON Harris has ruled out any news laws to regulate tattooing or body piercing in Ireland.
As things stand, there is no minimum legal age for someone to get a tattoo or body piercing in Ireland (although many businesses apply their own limits).
Fianna Fáil introduced a bill last year which aimed to ban tattoos and body piercings for under the age of 18. The bill is currently at the second stage, but government say they have no plans to introduce similar laws.
Harris said that his department and the Health Service Executive are working together to develop guidelines in relation to tattooing and body piercing businesses.
But do you think there should be new laws?
Today we’re asking, Should it be illegal for under-18s to get a tattoo or body piercing?
Tattoos 18 and over piercings depends where the person wants them. Teenagers can change their minds quite regularly. Tattoos are usually for life.
What is the law in England? Can we copy, as usual?
@Arya: there’s a reason we use the common law system. Imagine we didn’t, judges in this country would have more power to let more criminals away with whatever they wanted. Ireland likes to protect criminals for some reason so I don’t think it’s a good idea to let the so called government write our laws for the criminal justice system. I’m not saying the common law system is great but civil law would be worse
@Ali Ní Dhomhnaill: doesn’t matter what system we use as long as there is no room in jails
Theres a hell of a difference between getting your ears pierced at 16 and getting a full arm or face tattoo very different degrees of difficulty in removing them if you change your mind, so some subtlety is required from any legislation
Pardon my ignorance, but what does ‘nbsp’ mean.
@Noel Martin: I would like to know too.
@Noel Martin: according the comments no-one knows.
@Noel Martin: Non breaking white space
@Noel Martin: It’s HTML ASCII code for Non-Breaking Space, it forces a space but doesn’t all the line to be wrapped at that point.
@Hans Vos: It’s a mistake with the back end of their website and relates to the coding. Happens sometimes! It’s just background website jargon that’s creeped to the front of the website.
@Jane Alford: Say what? I only understood “It’s..”.
@Lizzie McCarthy: Thanks,
@Noel Martin: That’s what I voted for.
I used to do laser tattoo removal, almost all of the tattoos for removal were done when the person was in their teens or early 20′s, I waited until my thirties before getting a tattoo, I was getting one in my late teens and my Mum wouldn’t let me thankfully as I would have most likely hated it now.
@Brianán McBride: I’m trying to have a tattoo lazered off now. It’s only an inch in diameter and is costing a fortune with no end in sight. 4th session in September. And I was 50 getting it! ☺️Thank goodness they were not a ‘thing’ when I was a teen or god knows what state I’d be in.
I would say 16 is about right.
@Richard Barrett: when I was 16 I wanted a HIM tattoo. 16 year olds are stupid.
@Veronica: Haha!! Brilliant. Did you want Bam Margera on the other arm?
@GRANjzT: haha close, I wanted a CKY tattoo too! Luckily I got neither! Went to see CKY play recently though and I must say, if the Margera brothers Jess is the only one holding up.
@Veronica: Bam looks like Ollie Reed now
@Veronica: I think you’re being a little harsh on your younger yourself. Yes, most teenagers change their minds as often as they change their clothes, this isn’t stupid though. It’s just part of what being a teenager is, all hormones and pushing boundaries etc.
It’s one or the reasons they have to have limits and someone sensible around to say “No”, that’s usually a parent.
Having said all that, if you really want a tattoo I’d advise doing some research, plan on putting some money into it, and going to someone who really knows what they’re doing. I mean really knows. You don’t strike me as a someone foolish so I imagine you’re no stranger to research, remember this artwork may be with you forever. Enjoy.
Tattoos yes and certain piercings but not all. A friend once had a 14 year old arrive and ask for a clitirol piercing. He wouldn’t do it and said he could be done for sexual assault which then made her say she would say he did if he didn’t do it.
@Craic_a_tower: fu€kin hell! What did he do when she said that to him?
@Martin Harte: he refused and told her to leave and pointed at the cameras in the shop
@Craic_a_tower: thank christ he had cameras! That little knacker would of ran her mouth with false accusations no doubt about it
What about ear piercing?
I can’t imagine many teenagers would want a tattoo of a body piercing.
Journal needs to employ some proof readers.
@Ali Ní Dhomhnaill: At least the minister has ruled out any “news laws”!!!
@Shoot Thepiano: I think they read my comment, they changed it. How much does a proof reader get per correction
@Ali Ní Dhomhnaill: blue Peter badge is in the post.
Question should really be “should all tramp stamps be illegal”. How anyone thinks these poorly drawn, permanent scrawls on their skin are attractive or edgy or anything other than the upmost in stupidity is beyond me.
@lambda sensor: well then don’t get one. What anyone else chooses to do with their own body is none of your business
@lambda sensor:
There’s a comment straight out of the bogs of Ireland.
@Felicity Rawson: I agree. Do what you want with your own body, but for God’s sake keep it to yourself. Unfortunately you never need to ask some if they have a tattoo… they will find a way to thrust the equivalent of a 5-year-olds drawing in your face.
@Nollaig Elliot: so everything from older Ireland is somehow wrong. How very edgy of you. Debate my point (if you can).
@lambda sensor: Who is thrusting their tattoo’s in your face. Maybe you should change the type of establishments you frequent?? Tattoo’s for the most part are body art, when done by a qualified professional. Why shouldn’t somebody have it in a visible place – arms, legs, back, shoulders etc. I’m no fan of face, neck or head tattoos but in the end its a persons free choice to do so. If you don’t like them.. look away.
@lambda sensor: beauty and art are subjective. We can’t draft laws to protect your delicate sensibilities from seeing art you don’t like when other just as equal citizens want to adorn themselves.
@lambda sensor: just get to work on your anti-clockwise wind turbine
@lambda sensor:
We are all individuals mate. That’s how people think differently to you. It’s not exactly quantum physics now is it?
Tattoo, yes, body piercing, no.
@Triona Dunworth: tattoos are more permanent than a piercing for the most part !
Other than a shade of regret which can be undone later, legislation seems a bit overkill if it’s not actually treating any sort of societal issue. Current system appears fine with parental permission for 16+.
@Fergus: Never mind Tattoos… the level of idiocy from many teenagers in public these days I wouldn’t let the out into the f***ing world until they are over 18 and can pass some competency tests that doesn’t allow them hold a phone or Google for answers and forces them complete some Bear Grylis survival course.
Of course! Why was there no legal limit in the first place?
Sober would be the correct age
Piercing your baby’s ears should be illegal .
@Séamus Johnston: standard practice in Spain for all girls born
@Craic_a_tower: that doesn’t make it right.
Can we put an upper age limit on it too please?
@Mark Hannan: why exactly?
No. Reputable studios in Ireland require proof of age. It should be their decision and not someone in Government to decide.
Instead they should be looking at the so called practice of artistic mutilation and scarification
@Paul: Exactly, this isn’t North Korea!! Nanny state-esque…let THEM live THEIR lives and understand what personal responsibility means. Something that is completely lacking in today’s society!!
@Simon Connolly: do children truly understand long term decisions? Is every tattoo artist competent. Regulation protects people which includes from themselves
@Craic_a_tower: How do any of us learn? We make a mistake or we are provide with information on a subject, we make a decision and still potentially make a mistake..it’s called life. By legislating against this, you remove the very essence of learning. Action vs Consequence. If someone else makes every decision for you, how do you learn responsibility! All we do in this country at the minute is tax, ban, legislate etc on every social issue we have. We have gone from a progressive approach to a reactionary approach and that’s very disappointing.
@Simon Connolly: I do not respectfully agree with your opinion I think it requires an absent of sensible thought. You appear to think some ideological view of freedom means nothing should be regulated. It is quite apparent you should be an adult to make certain decisions and if you disagree with that don’t have kids because you will actually have to stop them making mistakes.
my mate BRYN -a proud welsh man – went to a tattoo studio and asked for ‘an intimate piercing’ – the guy said ‘what do you want on the tattoo ?” bryn told him ” i worked on the welsh railways for over 40 yrs – so i would like to have the name of a famous welsh railway station tattooed on my john thomas ” ok the tattooist said , so bryn dropped his trousers and work began — 3 days later he marched back into the tattoo parlour ,grabbed the guy by the throat and punched him square in the face — “whats that for ?” said the tattooist – bryn said ” when i asked for a tattoo of a famous welsh railway station on my john thomas i expected to get Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch — not bloody RHYL!
It strikes me that tattoos have become an addiction with people. I honestly think many with full sleeve and or facial ones really don’t realize that tattoos are for life and expensive to remove. Tattoos and beards expressing individuality but all the same. It’s like the scene in Life of Brian. https://youtu.be/QereR0CViMY
@Patrick O’Farrell: Wait, really? My tattoos are permanent? Well, I had no idea!
I don’t really see why? It’s their bodies, they can do whatever they want with them, it’s no skin of my nose & if they regret it later on then that’s their own fault for not thinking it through first.
@Keith McDonagh: if it was your 14 old child coming home with a face tattoo you might see it differently. Obviously there should be an age limit. I wanted the same tattoos as Popeye when I was 5 do you think I should have been allowed?
@Craic_a_tower: Depends on your parents really. Having said that, there’s a world of difference between a 5 year old & a 14 year old don’t you think? A 5 year old mightn”t understand the concept of something lasting forever but by the time they’re 14, they really should. They’re old enough to be held personally responsible for their actions so if they don’t think something through before doing it, that’s on them.
@Keith McDonagh: well in ireland they are not deemed old enough to be personally responsible at 14. In case you don’t understand they aren’t adults able to make adult decisions that effect the rest of their lives.
No 14 year old is mature enough to make the decision. There are plenty of adults not adult enough but children we can protect.
@Craic_a_tower: Where are all of these 14 year olds with face tats you’re seeing? Tattooing is a self-regulated industry of artists and nowhere I repeat nowhere is tatting little kids. For the love of god stop making up fake scenarios to be outraged by.
I voted ‘Yes ’ although I have little idea what that means…..
@Greg Ward: I actually said I voted Yes & N b s p;…. But my silly gag got swept away. lol
@Greg Ward: did you mean flushed away!
@Greg Ward: you know why though right? Nbsp
So let me get this wrong, you can scar your body from an early age but your not allowed to smoke a harmless plant?(cannabis) this country is so messed up
Tattoos yes piercings no. It silly to have a law only for boys about piercings. I’m not even sure if it’s necessary for tattoos but I have never seen a parlour that didn’t already have an over 18s only sign in the window so might as well codify in law what many tattoo parlours already do as best practice.
I’m 40 and still unsure of what to do lol
My da battered me brother in the 80s he came in drunk with a tattoo on his arm. Jasus the auld fella gave him a right few clatters. He didn’t do that again.
I thought it was already illegal to get a tattoo under 18?. I got a tattoo when I was 16yrs and regret it but glad it’s not on show, I think it should be illegal for under 18s…I got my belly button done at 15yrs and still have it but I have the option to remove it so not as bad.
Ya you can cotrol them until their thirty. Then let them out to play!!
Not to far mind…….. or not to far in your own mind?
Piercings fine, tattoos no.
@Hans Via: I contacted Google Re. NBSP and was provided with a reply but I’m still none the wiser, but not to worry, there are more important issues to ponder like POTUS enquiring whether it would be a good idea to to destroy hurricanes with nuclear bombs lol.
Do you ever proofread your articles … This one looks like it was written by a five year old …
Arguably there already is a law under NFOAPA. Minors dont have capacity to consent.
3 daughters of a friend of mine…aged 14, 16 and 18 came home from town one day with their nipples pierced!! Now that can’t be right!! Their mother went ape sh&t but because there was an “adult” with them the girl in the tattoo parlour went ahead and did it!! The repercussions are ongoing!!!!
@DeeM: what are the repercussions so? Is it from the piercing or the mother?
If you want to disfigure your body it should be left up to you – just say no to the ‘nanny state’
I think we need a wider discussion on the age of personal consent, legal freedom etc. You can drive and have sex legally at 17, marry at 18 (recently raised from 16), vote at 18, piercings and tattoos with parental consent at 16 – now maybe 18, buy drink and cigs at 18. In other words, the consequences of a sexual relationship is currently viewed as less risky than using a sunbed. Wouldn’t life be simpler if we agreed one age of mature responsibility for all these things?
@Rochey77: Right? we’re turning into america, different ages for everything, you’re an adult at 18 but still cant drink until 21 there, bizarre
It should be allowed with parental consent. For example you can’t put a photo on a website of a child (a person under the age of 18) unless you have parental consent.
Most piercing and tattoo shops already have age restrictions in place with most piercings requiring parental permission for people under 16/18 depending on the type of piercing. Well, at least the ones that aren’t completely dodgy.
Many piercers and tattoo artists have been petitioning the government for years to introduce measures and guidelines, such as procedures around proper disposal of sharps and the cleaning of materials etc. Guidelines would be welcomed by Industry but the government shouldn’t put legislation in place without consulting them first. The government have an awful habit of flying by the seat of their pants and pushing half measures due to lack of consultation with interest groups or not considering established best practices from other countries.
Why would anyone want little cartoons on their skin.
I think Irish people should be banned from getting tattoos. The amount of guys with those stupid looking tribal tattoos. No originality. I’ll have the same one your man has!
@Hatchjaw: tribal tattoos is only the tip of the iceberg. Chinese symbols, skeletons, their own names, the names of their children (in case they forget I suppose), the list of absurdities goes on. All made to look like it was done with a BIC biro.
@lambda sensor: Yeah those Chinese symbols are diabolical. This symbol means Peace, this one Creative cause I’m a creative person etc..
@lambda sensor: Bic &Biro are two completely diffrent company’s they make similar prouducts
It could be a Darwinian thing, helping weed out idiots at interviews.
@Steve B:
That it certainly does – those with visible or near visible tats are certainly doing themseves no employment prospect favours.
@Steve B: I take it you don’t understand what Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is so and I note it didn’t weed you out.
Does it matter? I’m underage and one can order a piercing kit online and get fake ID to get a tat as one of my friends has done. Surely people should have agency over their own body at it seems sort of stupid that a 16 yr old girl cant get her own nose piercing or something, imo tattoos and piercings are completely different ball parks. Tats should be regulated but piercings honestly aren’t that big of a deal. How about regulating the usage of dangerous piercing guns first
If you want my advice, get a tattoo. It preserves the things you love. Starlight Vocal Band?? They suck!
I’ll assume it’s not counting pierced ears. Otherwise 18 is the minimum age tattooing and piercing should be allowed.
have your say