Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 2

Written Answers. - Microwave Transmissions.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

147 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the Department, agency or individual that has been given responsibility for the protection of workers and the general public against the possible harmful effects of microwave, RF or UHF radiation. [5023/95]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

149 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if compliance with IRPA guidelines is required for any microwave transmissions in Ireland; and if all transmitters in this State comply with IRPA guidelines. [5025/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 149 together.

Occupational health and safety is a matter for the Health and Safety Authority and, accordingly, I have no statutory function in that matter. I am not aware that any Department, agency or individual has been given specific responsibility for public health in the area of concern to the Deputy and I, as Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, have no such statutory function. However, I do have regard to the best international practice, in particular, the guidelines of the International Radiation Protection Agency, the IRPA, in licensing the use of the radio frequency spectrum.

It is for that reason that licences issued to MMDS operators and to the Independent Radio and Television Commission are issued subject to IRPA guidelines. I have no evidence before me that other transmission facilities licensed to operate in the bands mentioned by the Deputy are operating outside the IRPA guidelines or that there is any need to make them subject to those requirements.