Vol. 501 No. 3
104 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if his Department has employers' liability insurance to cover irradiation of staff issued with mobile phones in view of the findings of the effects from low intensity exposures in the Vienna EMF resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5631/99]
105 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if his Department has public liability insurance which covers irradiation of staff and the general public from any mobile phone transmitters located on State property in view of the fact that, if the operating company ceases to exist, the liability may default to the landowner and in further view of the findings of the effects from low intensity exposures of the Vienna EMF resolution. [5647/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.
My Department, in accordance with public financial procedures, does not have employers or public liability insurance.
With regard to the Vienna EMF resolution, I would refer the Deputy to Question No. 222 of 27 January 1999, which was answered by my colleague, the Minister for Public Enterprise Mrs. Mary O'Rourke. The resolution has proven to be controversial among the scientific community as the bulk of the research on the issue of non-ionising radiation has not shown any of the effects claimed by the resolution. The Deputy will note that, in the reply mentioned above, the Minister also reiterated her statement that the issue of insurance indemnification is for the licensed operators to consider.
