Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mobile Telephone Use.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

25 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration, if any, given to date to the possible adverse biological effects on children arising from the use of mobile telephones; and the plans if any, proposed to be taken by the Government. [16404/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I am advised that mobile phones in use here meet with the standards for exposure levels recommended by the EU for public exposure to non-ionising radiation emissions. The balance of scientific evidence currently available does not indicate the need for any special precautions. Mobile telephone companies here are required to operate within radiation emission levels set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection.

A report by an independent expert group on mobile telephones and health was published recently in the United Kingdom. One of the areas looked at related to children's use of mobile tele phones. I have asked my Department's chief medical officer to examine the report and report back to me.