Vol. 519 No. 5
326 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is satisfied himself that there is no danger to children from radiation arising from Eircom booster masts erected in school grounds or beside schools such as a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5; his views on whether schools are appropriate places for such masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14139/00]
Responsibility for health and safety issues in schools is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the individual school authority. I understand that the erection of such masts is subject to the permission of the relevant planning authorities which have regard, inter alia, to the health and safety aspects of the telecommunication antennae and support structures guidelines issued by the Department of Environment and Local Government.
The Department of Public Enterprise has responsibility for the monitoring of all significant research in relation to radiation arising from mobile phone base station antennae. I understand that that Department advises that no government nor any national or international health advisory authority has advised that the radio frequency emissions from mobile phones base station antennae represent a health hazard to anyone's health.
