Vol. 505 No. 3
168 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the recent study carried out by the Norwegian Radiation Board and the comments made by a person (details supplied) concerning possible ill effects and health hazards associated with the use of mobile telephones; the action, if any, he plans to take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13679/99]
All significant research in this area is monitored by the Department of Public Enterprise with whom my Department liaises in regard to the human health aspects. Medical officers in my Department keep themselves informed of developments. I am advised that this latest study will be assessed in that context as will the comments made by the person referred to by the Deputy.
Research in this area is ongoing and the World Health Organisation in 1996 launched a five year research programme, the international EMF project, to assess the health and environmental aspects of electric and magnetic fields. This project is being carried out over a five year period. It will bring together current knowledge and available resources of key international and national agencies and scientific institutions in order to arrive at scientifically sound recommendations for health risk assessments.
At EU level the Council of Health Ministers is currently considering a recommendation on the subject of public exposure to electromagnetic fields. This recommendation if adopted will establish a European wide standard which each member state will apply to its own country. The measure as currently drafted provides, inter alia, for a system of ongoing monitoring of the ambient exposure of the public to electromagnetic fields from all sources including mobile telephone masts.
Should conclusive evidence emerge that electromagnetic radiation associated with mobile telephones is causing an unacceptable public health risk then I would seek to have appropriate remedial measures put in place by the Government Departments and agencies with direct responsibility in that area.
