Vol. 420 No. 9
129 Mr. Tunney asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concern of residents in the Santry, Ballymun area, County Dublin, arising from a reported investigation (details supplied) into effects of magnetic radiation from electric cables, and its association with cancer; and if he will assure the residents in question that there is no basis for their fears or anxiety.
I had already requested the Eastern Health Board to investigate this matter and to let me have a report as quickly as possible. An epidemiological survey by the Board is now under way. I will be keeping in close touch with the progress of this survey. However it may be observed in general that where epidemiological surveys related to cancers are concerned, because of the nature of this condition such studies must extend over some period of time.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Energy, is aware of the public concern surrounding electromagnetic fields and is keeping the matter under constant review. I may say, however, that to date, international research has not established a causal relationship between this form of radiation and cancer. Furthermore, the Department of Energy has pointed out that power line voltages and concentrations of power lines in Ireland are well below those in most industrialised countries.
