Vol. 481 No. 3
46 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations, if any, being conducted, or which have been commissioned, by his Department into the possible health dangers posed by use of mobile phones; and if no such steps have been taken, the steps, if any, he proposes to take to consider this issue. [15779/97]
56 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations, if any, being conducted by his Department or which have been commissioned into the possible health dangers posed by use of mobile phones; and if no such steps have been taken, the steps, if any, he proposes to take to consider this issue. [15780/97]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 46 and 56 together.
All significant research in this area is monitored by the Department of Public Enterprise with which my Department liaises regarding the human health aspects. I am aware that there has been some public concern about possible adverse health effects from exposure to radiation emissions from telecommunication masts associated with mobile phone systems. Telecommunications companies operating here are licensed by the Department of Public Enterprise. Companies are required to operate within emission limits set by the International Radiation Protection Association. Measurements taken here show that exposure levels are well within the recommended safety levels.
The Office of Director of Telecommunications Regulations was established earlier this year by the Minister for Public Enterprise. Its function is to ensure that licensed operators of telecommunications systems comply with all the conditions of their licence, including emission standards. Emissions are to be monitored on a regular and nationwide basis.
Early next year my Department will be cosponsoring with the Department of Public Enterprise a conference on health issues and the telecommunications infrastructure.
