The Health Minister's confirmed he plans to bring in tighter regulations for the tattoo and body piercing industries.

At the moment, this sector is unregulated and no government guidelines for tattoo parlours exist.

The issue was raised in the Dáil this week by Labour TD Gerald Nash - who says he's been contacted by a number of constituents about some tattoo artists and piercers who have poor hygiene standards and are putting people at risk of infection. Minister James Reilly said the Department of Health is currently in the process of drawing up guidelines specific to the industry.

But Deputy Nash says that may not go far enough and legislation may be needed.