Vol. 487 No. 3
117 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will establish an independent body on non-ionising radiation to monitor the emissions from mobile telecommunications masts by virtue of a ministerial order under the Radiological Protection Act, 1991, in view of the continued and greatly increased public concern at the proliferation and siting of mobile telephone masts in populated areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3792/98]
As the Deputy will be aware, compliance with international non-ionising radiation emission standards is a condition attached to all telecommunications licences for mobile telephony services issued in Ireland.
118 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that new legislation in Australia insists that mobile telecommunications masts should be at least 500 metres away from human habitation and emissions from these masts are only allowed at 0.001 microwatts per square centimetre, that is, nearly half a million times lower than the ICNIRP guideline limit for exposure; and if she will consider bringing forward legislation to ensure that such precautions are taken in Ireland in view of these developments. [3793/98]
There is no federal or state legislation in Australia prohibiting the erection of masts within 500 metres of human habitation, nor is there a national or state regulation requiring emissions to be below 0.001 microwatts per square centimetre.
The current Australian standard sets a public exposure limit of 200 microwatts per square centimetre. In May 1997, the Australian Department of Human Services and Health's committee on electromagenetic energy — public health issues published an information leaflet on health issues relating to mobile telecommunications towers. That leaflet reflects the current position of the Australian authorities.
Compliance with international non-ionising radiation emission standards is a condition attached to all telecommunications licences for mobile telephony services issued in Ireland. The Director of Telecommunications Regulation, who was appointed pursuant to the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996, is responsible for ensuring compliance with licence conditions and is arranging for monitoring of non-ionising radiation emissions.
