Vol. 485 No. 4
82 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the legislation, if any, which she will bring forward to regulate the operation of mobile phone masts and if she will take submissions in relation to this legislation. [23559/97]
The details sought by the Deputy in relation to masts are matters for the companies involved and, where appropriate, the Garda authorities. As such, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on these matters.
In relation to the question of introducing legislation, any proposals concerning the siting of masts would be the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, in the context of any planning legislation he might wish to introduce.
The operation of masts is already covered in the general provisions contained in licences issued to operators pursuant to the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988 and which are the responsibility of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. Although I would have a consent role in relation to the final adoption of any such regulations, the initiative in relation to their introduction rests entirely with the director.
