Vol. 522 No. 2
282 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the health implications of mobile phone masts located in areas of dense population; and if these are independently monitored and reviewed. [18440/00]
Some concerns have been expressed regarding a possible link between cancer and exposure to non-ionising radiation emissions from mobile phone masts. A considerable volume of research has been carried out internationally on this matter. It has not been proven that such exposure might cause the development of cancer.
Approval for the erection of mobile phone masts in a particular area is a function of the local planning authority. The monitoring of the levels of emissions from mobile phone masts is a function of the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. That office publishes an audit report of licensed operators each year. The audit is carried out by Enterprise Ireland for the office. The most recent report published in February 2000 focuses on compliance with the general public exposure limits specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection in 1998. The report shows that all the companies audited have procedures and arrangements in place to ensure compliance with the general public exposure limits.
