Vol. 498 No. 4
391 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the report (details supplied); if he will reconsider his Department's position towards the siting of telecommunication masts on property owned by his Department in view of the report and the consideration that, generally, the health and well-being of the population are of paramount importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27644/98]
I am aware of the document to which the Deputy refers. In relation to the siting of telecommunications masts, the Garda Síochána has an absolute need to maintain an infrastructure appropriate to its communications requirements, from an operational perspective.
With regard to Esat Digifone, the second licensed mobile telephone operator, a contract was entered into with the company, which is dated 25 June 1997, with the approval of the previous Government, providing for the co-location of mobile telephony equipment at a number of specified Garda masts and-or sites.
Under this agreement, access to Garda sites is subject to Digifone complying fully with all planning requirements, health and safety legislation, the Radiological Protection Act and all relevant guidelines that may be set down from time to time by the International Radiation Protection Association.
Should any doubt arise in this regard, it would be a matter for the relevant planning authority and-or the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to consider.
