Question:
85 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will launch an independent inquiry into the safety of mobile phone masts, in particular their placement next to schools. [6390/01]
Written Answers. - Telecommunications Antennae.
Studies and reviews of the question of health and safety in regard to mobile phone masts have already been carried out internationally. The World Health Organisation has assessed the many scientific reviews of possible health effects associated with radio frequency fields of mobile phone systems. The WHO has stated that none of these reviews has concluded that exposure to radio frequency fields from mobile phone transmitter masts, sometimes referred to as base stations, causes any adverse health consequences. The WHO identified a need for further research to better assess possible health risks. The WHO in 1996 launched a five year research programme, the international EMF project, to assess the health and environmental aspects of electric and magnetic fields, including those associated with mobile phone masts. This project will bring together current knowledge and available resources of key international and national agencies and scientific institutions to arrive at scientifically sound recommendations for health risk assessments. Medical officers in my Department keep up to date with developments in this area. I have no plans to launch an independent inquiry into the safety of mobile phone masts.
Approval for the erection of mobile phone masts in a particular area is a function of the local planning authority. Guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment and Local Government to all local authorities in relation to location of mobile phone masts recommend that where possible free standing masts should not be located in residential areas or beside schools. Operators of mobile phone systems are required to comply with emission levels set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, ICNIRP. These guidelines are based on a careful analysis of all scientific literature, including thermal and non-thermal effects.
The monitoring of the levels of emissions from mobile phone masts is a function of the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation and that office publishes an audit report of licensed operators each year. The most recent report published in February 2000 focuses on compliance with the general public exposure limits specified by the ICNIRP. The report shows that all the companies audited have procedures and arrangements in place to ensure compliance with the general public exposure limits.
Question:
86 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the guidelines applied to the placement of mobile phone antennae; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6389/01]
My Department published guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae and support structures in July 1996. The guidelines were issued to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications antennae and support structures within the planning system. A copy of the guidelines is available in the Oireachtas Library.